Businessman redefines ‘heart of Meyers’

A heart shaped gathering spot has been created in Meyers. Photo/John Dayberry

By Kathryn Reed

MEYERS – The heart of Meyers has a new meaning.

Carl Fair, who built Meyers Station in 1992, this summer completed a landscaping project at his commercial enclave that is designed to bring in people who aren’t just in cars.

“People on bikes are coming out,” Fair told Lake Tahoe News. “It’s what we set out to accomplish – to make Meyers bikeable and walkable.”

Fair participated in South Tahoe Public Utility District’s turf buyback program, which afforded him the opportunity to get creative with his landscaping. He removed 1,800-square-feet of sod, most of which fronted the property on Highway 50. This was land that used 400 gallons of water every timed cycle.

But he didn’t want something ordinary to replace the grass. With the creativity of John Dayberry, the landscape design became a heart. It’s not immediately noticeable at first. Walking out of Verde restaurant people are at the bottom of the heart. The part near the sidewalk is the top of the heart.

Taking a closer look it’s obvious this is a heart. While granite may seem like a cold border, it is so Tahoe. The soft gray of the natural rock is actually inviting, and blends in well with the natural landscape.

The granite walls are not quite all the same size. This was deliberately designed to help deflect the road noise. Plants are growing from the tops – giving it a warm, outdoorsy feel.

Tables are scattered about on the gravel, making it an ideal place to gather to enjoy food or drink from one of the restaurants. A fire pit is in the center.

Fair’s goal is for this to be a gathering spot for Meyers – thus the heart of Meyers in a different dimension.

The first party at the new digs was in mid-August when the conservation landscape tour ended at Meyers Station. Fair had electricity put in so bands can set up a stage just off to the side with amplified music.