Title
PUBLIC HEARING - Grass Lake Nature Park Public Art Concept Design
Recommended Action
Hold a public hearing to receive public comment on the concept design presentation.
Report
Issue:
Hold a public hearing to receive public comment in order to inform the Arts Commission during the artwork design process.
Staff Contact:
Stephanie Johnson, Arts Program & Planning Supervisor, Parks, Arts & Recreation, 360.709.2678
Presenter(s):
Abe Singer, Grass Lake Nature Park Project Artist
Background and Analysis:
On October 3, 2023, Olympia City Council approved the Grass Lake Nature Park Public Art Project as an addition to the Arts Commission Work Plan and the draft Call for Art. Council approved Abe Singer as the Grass Lake Nature Park Project Artist on January 23, 2024.
The Grass Lake Nature Park Public Art Project centers around a large (10’ diameter x 23’ long) mild steel water tank (3/8" thick) on the park property to be repurposed for three sculptural elements to be sited in the park:
• One bird blind (approx. 6’ x 10’) along the boardwalk for viewing of the birds without being seen by them.
• Two entry elements sited at the entrances to the park along Harrison Avenue and Kaiser Road, welcoming visitors to the park and continuing the use of the steel tank material as a theme throughout the park. These entry elements can be more artistic, and sized at the artist’s discretion.
At 195.71 acres, the park contains the headwaters of Green Cove Creek and one of the most environmentally intact wetland systems in northern Thurston County. Over 100 bird species and 200 plant species have been recorded in the park.
Grass Lake Nature Park's primary functions are wildlife protection, wildlife viewing, and environmental education. Artist reuse of the steel tank will have several benefits, such as redirecting salvage material for creative reuse and offering the opportunity for deeper connection to the recent history of the site. The project artist was required to participate in one community meeting/site visit with students from the neighborhood middle school to learn about the science of the site, and this concept plan presentation with the Olympia Arts Commission, prior to City Council consideration of the Concept Design.
On February 20, Mr. Singer met with City staff for review of the Grass Lake construction process and documents.
On February 28, Mr. Singer met with students from Marshall Middle School’s Citizen Science program to learn about the nature of the park to help inform his design for sculpture.
The Arts Commission is conducting a public hearing to receive and collect feedback from the public regarding the Grass Lake Nature Park Public Art Concept Plan in order to provide feedback to the artist and a recommendation to City Council.
Community feedback is requested within the following framework (from the published Call for Art):
- Is the artwork responsive to the site?
o Does the concept plan provide for functional art pieces (one bird blind and two entry elements) that support the public’s enjoyment of surrounding nature and passive recreation aspects of the trail project?
o Does the proposal repurpose the existing steel tank on the property?
- Do the furnishings present a strong ongoing, themed physical presence as artwork within the designated site area?
- Is the finished artwork suitable and safe for diverse audiences?
- Is the finished artwork able to withstand wet seasonal weather conditions?
- Is the artwork durable and easy to maintain?
Climate Analysis:
Utilizing repurposed material from the site reduces need for virgin materials and the associated carbon used for processing and transportation.
Equity Analysis:
This project includes collaboration with Citizen Science Institute students at Thurgood Marshall Middle School.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The Citizen Science Institute students consider themselves stewards of the park and are very involved with tree planting and other volunteer efforts.
Options:
1. Following the public hearing, accept the concept design as presented and recommend to City Council for consideration.
2. Following the public hearing, direct staff to work with the project artist to modify the concept design and return to the Arts Commission for consideration.
3. Make another recommendation.
Financial Impact:
Budget for the artwork is $32,000 from the Municipal Art Fund.
Attachments:
None. The concept design will be presented at the meeting.