Title
Grass Lake Nature Park Public Art Project Opportunity Recommendation
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Arts Commission recommends the mid-year addition to the Arts Commission Work Plan and Municipal Art Plan of a public art project at Grass Lake Nature Park.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the recommended mid-year addition to the Arts Commission Work Plan and Municipal Art Plan of a public art project at Grass Lake Nature Park and forward to the full City Council for approval.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the recommended mid-year addition to the Arts Commission Work Plan and Municipal Art Plan of a public art project at Grass Lake Nature Park and forward to the full City Council for approval.
Staff Contact:
Stephanie Johnson, Arts Program & Planning Supervisor 360.709.2678
Presenter(s):
Stephanie Johnson, Arts Commission staff liaison
Jim Burlingame, Chair, Olympia Arts Commission
Laura Keehan, Parks Planning & Design Manager
Background and Analysis:
The 1% for Art ordinance states: All requests for appropriations from the General Fund for new construction projects visible and usable by the public, and exceeding five hundred thousand and no/100 dollars ($500,000.00) shall include an amount equal to one percent of the estimated construction cost of such project for Public Art.
Grass Lake Nature Park presents an interesting opportunity for public art. At 195.71 acres, Grass Lake is a sleeping beauty of Olympia's park and open space inventory. Acquiring the property was a steady vigil for property owners, citizen groups, Olympia City Council and staff in the late 1980's. 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.
Upcoming improvements include the addition of a paved, accessible shared use trail through Grass Lake Nature Park from Kaiser Road to the gravel maintenance road through the Harrison Avenue Parcel. A new trailhead with ten parking stalls, including a school bus parking stall will also be constructed. This project represents the first major investment into Olympia’s second largest park and will facilitate access for people of all abilities and school groups.
Arts Commissioners, and Arts and Parks Planning staff are interested in utilizing the 1% for Art funds in repurposing a large (10’ diameter x 20’ long) steel tank on the property to construct furnishings for the park. Most specifically a bird blind along the pathway for viewing of the birds that utilize Grass Lake, and potentially kiosks, wayfinding elements, seating and other opportunities. Repurposing this currently iconic element in the park as material for the structures redirects landfill material and offers the opportunity for deeper connection to the history of the site.
Climate Analysis:
Utilizing repurposed material from the site reduces need for virgin materials and the associated carbon used for processing and transportation.
Equity Analysis:
Development of a public art project for Grass Lake Nature Park will not positively or negatively burden a group that has been historically deprioritized or forgotten. Public art has the ability to engage community members by sharing of stories and values, and community outreach around the project will intentionally include underserved community members.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Park planning staff have already engaged in community outreach regarding improvements to Grass Lake Nature Park. This project will build on that foundation.
Financial Impact:
1% for Art funds from construction for Grass Lake Nature Park improvements are estimated at $29,786.
Options:
1. Move to approve the recommended mid-year addition to the Arts Commission Work Plan and Municipal Art Plan of a public art project at Grass Lake Nature Park and forward to the full City Council for approval.
2. Modify proposal of Grass Lake Nature Park Public Art Project and forward to City Council for consideration.
3. Do not move forward the Grass Lake Nature Park Public Art Project. 1% for Art Funds from park improvements would be retained in the Municipal Art Fund for other projects.
Attachments:
Proposed Project Overview