DATE:
February 27, 2024
CATEGORY:
City Council
DEPT.:
Community Development
TITLE: Public Art Approval for Evelyn Park,
Project 21-60
RECOMMENDATION
Approve Looking Up Art’s monarch butterfly sculpture entitled, “Butterfly Reflect” for Evelyn Park, Project 21-60, for $30,000.
BACKGROUND
The 0.68- acre park site located on Evelyn Avenue, near the border of Mountain View and Sunnyvale, was dedicated to the City for park use by the 525 East Evelyn Avenue development project. On May 9, 2023
, the City Council approved a Conceptual Plan and selected the park name “Evelyn Park.”
ANALYSIS
The Conceptual Plan (Figure 1) includes the following elements:
• A lawn with mound;
• A raised seat wall planter with specimen oak;
• Log piling climbing structure, raised hut play structure, and log stepper; • A plaza area; and
• Picnic tables and benches.
Council Policy K-5 (Attachment 1) requires 2% of the construction budget be set aside for public art, which in this case is $30,000.
Public Art Approval for Evelyn Park, Project 21-60
February 27, 2024
Figure 1: Evelyn Park
Visual Arts Committee Review and Recommendation
On August 9, 2023, the Visual Arts Committee (VAC) discussed the Evelyn Park project and recommended staff issue a Call for Artists for public art proposals from Bay Area artists (Attachment 2). The call suggested art be integrated into the play area, be standalone within the lawn, or be incorporated into the fencing. The Parks and Recreation Commission had expressed interest in having interactive art integrated within the park.
The Call for Artists was issued on August 21, 2023, with a deadline of September 8, 2023. Thirteen (13) responses were received, and of those 13, nine were considered eligible based o n the Call for Artists requirements. The proposed budgets ranged from $25,200 to $30,000.
Prior to the November 8, 2023 VAC meeting, VAC members scored and juried the artist proposals.
Staff presented the results of the scoring for the VAC to discuss further regarding the suitability, cost, and durability of the proposed art.
Public Art Approval for Evelyn Park, Project 21-60
February 27, 2024
At the November 8, 2023 VAC meeting, the VAC selected the Looking Up Art proposal, “Butterfly Reflect.” The 25 ’ tall monarch butterfly sculpture has LED lighting underneath that will reflect the migration patterns of the monarch butterfly (Figure 2). The butterfly concept as designed aligns well with the natural aspect of the park. As part of the VAC deliberations, members noted that dark skies are something of interest by the City Council and directed staff to work with the artists team to best address any potential issues from the LED lighting underneath to be in alignment with Dark Sky guidelines. Staff and the artists team have determined that because the lights will be facing down, will produce a minimal amount of lighting, and can be programmed to turn off at night, there will be minimal impact at night.
Figure 2: Butterfly Reflection by Looking Up Art
FISCAL IMPACT
The public art budget of $30,000 is included in the project budget for Evelyn Park, Project 21-60.
The recommended artist contract is for $30,000. Since there are sufficient funds available, no additional appropriations are required.
NEXT STEPS
If Council approves the recommendation, staff will execute an agreement with Looking Up Art, and the installation will be completed in time for the opening and dedication of the new park, which is anticipated to be late 2024/early 2025.
Public Art Approval for Evelyn Park, Project 21-60
February 27, 2024
ALTERNATIVES
1. Do not approve the proposed art and either direct staff to work with the artist to modify the art or to issue a new Call for Artists to obtain additional art options for the VAC to review and recommend to Council.
2. Provide other direction.
PUBLIC NOTICING
The Council meeting agenda and Council report have been posted on the City’s website and announced on Channel 26 cable television. An email notification was sent to the Visual Arts Committee about this agenda item.
Prepared by:
Kirstin Hinds
Economic Development Strategist
Reviewed by:
John Lang
Economic Vitality Manager
Approved by:
Dawn S. Cameron
Acting Assistant City Manager/
Community Development Director
Arn Andrews
Assistant City Manager
KH/4/CAM
822-02-27-24CR-1
202952
Attachments: 1. Council Policy K-5
2. Call for Artists—Public Art, Evelyn Park, Project 21-60