Title
Grass Lake Nature Park Public Art Project Opportunity
Recommended Action
Discussion regarding a mid-year addition to the Arts Commission Work Plan and Municipal Art Plan of a public art project at Grass Lake Park.
Report
Issue:
Discussion on the possibility of a public art project associated with planned improvements to Grass Lake Park in West Olympia.
Staff Contact:
Stephanie Johnson, Arts Program & Planning Supervisor 360.709.2678
Presenter(s):
N/A
Background and Analysis:
There are several park development projects coming up that trigger the 1% for Art ordinance, which 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.
While some of the projected project funds are too small for individual public art pieces and can be put toward other existing public art projects and upcoming major maintenance, 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. As the hard work of all may be forgotten over time, the place we call Grass Lake will remind us endlessly of our ties with nature.
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 a new asphalt multi-use trail through Grass Lake Nature Park from Kaiser Road to the gravel maintenance road through the Harrison Avenue Parcel. A new trailhead with expanded parking will also be constructed.
Park planning staff have reach out to arts staff about using the 1% for Art funding for the project to construct a bird blind along the pathway for viewing of the birds that utilize Grass Lake. In addition, a large (8’ diameter x 20’ long) steel tank on the property can be repurposed as material for the structures, redirecting landfill material and offering 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):
N/A
Options:
1. Discuss opportunity and direct staff to return to the September meeting with a formal proposal for Community Livability and Public Safety Committee consideration.
2. Discuss opportunity and determine not to pursue the potential for public art at Grass Lake Nature Park. Funds would remain in the Municipal Art Fund for other public art or major maintenance projects.
3. Consider another option.
Financial Impact:
1% for Arts funding for Grass Lake Nature Park estimated at $29,786.
Attachments:
None.