If you're jogging around a public park in North Hollywood, California, you might stumble upon a Star Trek tribute that gives you false hope we're all living in a virtual holodeck simulation.
Two pairs of nondescript metal towers often used for carrying power lines above the ground got a geeky makeover thanks to a Star Trek fan who decided to have a little fun.
Set designer Arthur Chadwick transformed the metal pylons into Star Trek LCARS holodeck control panels from Star Trek: The Next Generation by having the designs printed onto vinyl stickers.
On Sunday, Chadwick tweeted pictures of the makeshift holodeck, "I fixed these pylons last week," he wrote. "Apparently, it's making people happy."
i fixed these pylons last week. apparently it’s making people happy. https://t.co/L6mBjzardq pic.twitter.com/H3nUtUvqdO
— AEChadwick (@chadwicks) July 19, 2020
In the Star Trek series, the holodeck was a place on board the ship where crew members could engage with virtual reality environments to learn new skills, or just take a break from the pressures of work. Because anything was possible on the holodeck, it ended up being used as a plot device in numerous Star Trek: The Next Generation episodes and Star Trek movies.
Sadly, these holodeck panels found in a public park in North Hollywood aren't operational like the one on the USS Enterprise.
The a close-up of the fan-made holodeck interface screen says, "Early C21 Outdoor, Los Angeles City Park, Survival Mode, VELDT, Variation 7." According to Chadwick, VELDT is a nod to the short story called The Veldt by science fiction author and famous Los Angeles resident Ray Bradbury.
yes, you know, times being what they are.
— AEChadwick (@chadwicks) July 20, 2020
("veldt" reference because Bradbury. he actually lived in Cheviot Hills, but #FanboyGonnaFanboy) pic.twitter.com/w5WOB3GlN0
Here's a Google Maps link to the exact location in case you'd like to go find the holodeck control panels to take your own Star Trek selfies. Just remember, if you spot another Star Trek fan near the holodeck, follow social distancing protocols and perhaps say hello using Spock's trusty Vulcan salute.
Here are a couple of very happy Star Trek fans who discovered the holodeck panels over the weekend, including one fans who hoped its existence finally proved 2020 was a horrific virtual simulation on the USS Enterprise.
I’ve officially found the holodeck controls in North Hollywood Park.
— 🎶 Bonnie Gordon 🎶 @ 6 Feet Away 😉 (@BonnieBellG) July 18, 2020
“Computer: End Program - Pandemic Apocalypse 2020”
... didn’t work.
I think there might be a glitch with the ship’s power converters.
Can someone get engineering down here?! #StarTrek #HoloDeck pic.twitter.com/U7NN1Kulgz
Spotted something odd on my run through the park tonight and ... I guess I have good news and bad news pic.twitter.com/kPQ8goygfW
— Jeremy Yoder 🌱📈🏳️🌈🖖🏻 (@JBYoder) July 18, 2020
Here’s the 4 I’ve seen! pic.twitter.com/O43qLxkqM1
— Andy Rattinger (@Rattinger) July 21, 2020
