Title
Approval of the Grass Lake Nature Park Public Art Final Design
Recommended Action
Approve final design for the Grass Lake Nature Park Public Art project.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the Grass Lake Nature Park Public Art Final Design by Abe Singer.
Staff Contact:
Stephanie Johnson, Arts Program & Planning Supervisor, Parks, Arts & Recreation, 360.709.2678
Presenter(s):
Stephanie Johnson, Arts Commission Staff Liaison
Abe Singer, Project Artist, Grass Lake Nature Park Public Art
Background and Analysis:
On April 16, 2024, the City Council approved the Grass Lake Nature Park Public Art concept design as presented, noting the artist will work on final details to present to the Arts Commission for final approval on May 9, 2024. Since that time, project artist Abe Singer has worked with City staff to finalize his design.
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, concept plan presentation with the Olympia Arts Commission, and City Council for consideration of the concept design.
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 involved 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.
Financial Impact:
Budget for the artwork is $32,000 from the Municipal Art Fund.
Options:
1. Approve the Grass Lake Nature Park Public Art final design as presented. The artist will move into fabrication.
2. Do not approve the final design and provide feedback to the project artist.
3. Do not approve the final design.
Attachments:
None - the artist will present the final design at the May 9 meeting.