CITY OF COMMERCE AGENDA REPORT
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: City Manager
SUBJECT: Aquatics Facility Fence Project – James Naish
MEETING DATE: May 27, 2025
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approve the installation of four decorative gates at the Brenda Villa Aquatic Center, in the amount of $138,000, by artist James Naish subject to the City Manager’s final approval of all elements of the project including all related agreements. These custom-designed gates will not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the facility by serving as a distinctive artistic element, but they will also fulfill a critical safety and security need. The gates will provide the necessary barrier to prevent unauthorized access to the pool deck and pool area through the newly installed sliding glass windows.
BACKGROUND
On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, the Art in Public Places Subcommittee met with the Director of Parks and Recreation to review an artistic fence project for the Brenda Villa Aquatics Center. During the meeting, a discussion took place regarding the materials, design, and previous projects completed by artist James Naish. Shortly thereafter, the Art in Public Places Subcommittee recommended that a report be submitted to City Council, requesting approval of the proposed project.
The City of Commerce recognizes the vital role of public art in enhancing the community’s visual appeal, fostering cultural expression, and promoting civic pride. The Arts in Public Places Committee has been actively working to integrate art into public spaces and has identified the need for professional input to guide future public art projects.
With the installation of sliding windows at the Brenda Villa Aquatics Center, it is necessary to regulate access to the facility. Thus, the Department of Parks and Recreation was tasked with the opportunity to create a solution to control access through these areas.
ANALYSIS
Rather than installing a 6-foot tubular metal or chain link fence, the Department of Parks and Recreation is recommending a decorative element to create a sense of safety but also one that supports the City’s vision of enhancing artistic expression within the community.
The opening of sliding windows has created airflow and space for large equipment to enter the facility to address maintenance and facility rental needs. Controlling who enters is essential to the safety and wellbeing of our patrons. To support the initiative in public art and to secure the facility, the Department of Parks and Recreation proposes commissioning James Naish, an experienced designer and artist who works primarily in metal.
The proposed gates will serve both functional and artistic purposes. They will act as a vital barrier to prevent unauthorized access to the pool deck and pool area through the newly installed sliding glass windows. At the same time, they will contribute an artistic element that enhances the facility’s visual appeal.
James Nash is known for his site-specific installations that thoughtfully integrate with the existing landscape and architecture. His work is both decorative and playful and often layered with deeper narratives that spark dialogue and serve as educational tools. Most importantly, his public art fosters a strong sense of community identity and contributes to meaningful placemaking. His installations reflect the character and values of the community while creating a lasting sense of place.
Mr. Nash employs a range of metalworking techniques, including bending, forging, and casting, to create highly detailed and original three-dimensional pieces. He works with a variety of materials such as steel, bronze, brass, copper, and stainless steel. All of his designs are fabricated in his workshop in Los Angeles, and his portfolio includes successful public art projects completed throughout California and across the nation.
His most recent installations include:
2025 Zela Davis Park Screens, 50 feet x 6 feet tall – Los Angels Neighborhood Land Trust 2024 Los Angeles River Panels, Two panels, each 6 feet x 3 feet – Mountain Resources Conservation Agency Affairs 2022 Oasis of Pacoima Gate and Panels, 25 feet x 10 feet tall entrance way – Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs 2022 Covid Memorial Sculpture – 6-foot tall freestanding tree sculpture – City of Norwalk Art in Public Places 2021 Arlington Garden Gate and Sign, 6-foot pedestrian gate and arched sign – Arlington Garden 2019 Madison Ave Park, 25 foot entrance way panels and gate – Trust for Public Land A comprehensive look at his work is attached including additional Commissions and photos of his work.
Mr. Naish brings extensive experience and a substantial body of work to this project. He has expressed a strong commitment to its success and has indicated that, if awarded the contract, the project would take approximately four to six months to complete, including installation. As demonstrated by the additional photos of his past work, Mr. Nash’s craftsmanship is highly detailed and artistic—qualities that align closely with this year’s focus on integrating art into public places for the benefit of the community.
ALTERNATIVES
Approve staff recommendation
Disapprove staff recommendation
Provide further direction to staff
FISCAL IMPACT
The total cost of the project is approximately $138,000. The cost will be borne 50/50 between the General Fund (account 10-8750-55051) and the Art in Public Places Fund (account 32-8750-55051). Appropriations of 69,000 will be added to both accounts 10-8750-55051 & 32-8750-55051, if approved by the City Council.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC GOALS
The agenda item relates to the 2016 Strategic Plan, Community Quality of Life Guiding Principle 4:
Support and evaluate community services, programs and events that promote healthy and quality of lifestyles for our residents. Enhance public safety and social services through innovative programs that meet the needs of the residential and business communities.
Respectfully submitted: Ernie Hernandez, City Manager
Recommended by: Greg Alaniz, Parks and Recreation Director Fiscal Impact reviewed by: Alvaro Castellon, Finance Director Approved as to form by: Noel Tapia, City Attorney
ATTACHMENTS:
Past Projects - Photos
Past Work
Renderings and Plans