Not every city in the U.S. is recognized around the world, but as the saying goes: Folsom is on the map. Nearly 50 years ago, an electrifying combination of a country singing star and a maximum-security prison brought the city into the limelight of international stardom.  

When Johnny Cash performed to inmates in the Folsom State Prison cafeteria on January 13, 1968, the artist, his career, the city of Folsom and the prison would never be the same again: The Man in Black had made an impact on the music world that still resonates today. 

Robert Goss, director of Folsom’s Parks and Recreation Department had an idea. He wanted to connect the American River Bike Trail and the Folsom Lake Trail with a 2.5-mile swath through Folsom. Goss, a lifelong Cash fan, took the concept of the Johnny Cash Trail Art Experience to the city council, and it was unanimously approved. “I’m lucky to have a great staff and city leadership with the vision to help make this happen,” Goss says. “I work with some very creative people.” 

 Their plan is to honor and celebrate Cash for his place in Folsom history—all while advancing public art and recreational trails. “This is significant for the city,” Goss says. “The art experience tells a story about the impact Cash has had, and continues to have, on our community and prison...and how the Folsom Prison concert impacted his life and career.” 

In late 2014, the first phase of the project—which includes a 1.2-mile trail and a pedestrian/bike bridge that spans Folsom Lake Crossing and East Natoma Street—opened to the public. Phase two of the endeavor, slated to break ground this summer, will finish up the trail with a 1.25-mile segment on prison property. 

After the completion, there will be a huge fund-raising effort to bring the “art experience” to the trail. The estimated $8 million will be raised through community events, corporate sponsorships and social media contacts. All of the art pieces are inspired by Cash and the Folsom Prison concerts, and at each end of the trail there will be a seven-foot tall guitar pick; as with the first note of a song, the pick will mark the beginning of the trail. Between, many more opportunities to be immersed in Cash’s life and music will abound. “The trail is designed to be interactive,” Goss explains. “The more you read and reflect, the deeper the storyline goes, and with it your experience.”

Along with the art, the three-acre Johnny Cash Legacy Park is planned. This intimate outdoor amphitheater—with grounds reminiscent of a guitar and a 50-foot tall Man in Black sculpture—will hold between 100-200 people. It’s designed for impromptu concerts or just a place for Cash fans and trail users to rest, relax and reflect. The grounds will include a series of interpretive spaces and features designed to tell the story of the famous concerts held at the prison. 

The Johnny Cash Trail Art Experience will be a first-class destination for the millions of Cash fans around the nation and the globe—a place to learn, listen and reflect on one of the greatest musical artists and entertainers in history.

More discussion on the public artwork that’s slated to be installed will continue next month in this two-part series. Images courtesy of Folsom Parks & Recreation.