Title
Request for an extension of time for commencing with the art project for the Sedgwick County Park Art Garden.
Body
Recommended Action: Approve the request for an extension of time from January 1, 2015 to January 1, 2019 for commencing with the art project for the Sedgwick County Park Art Garden.
In 2010, the Board of County Commissioners adopted a portion of the Sedgwick County Park (Facility) Master Plan that designated an undeveloped area near the 13th Street entrance as an art garden. The art garden is identified as a place for the display of permanent or temporary family-friendly environmental art for art-related functions. The BoCC also approved an agreement with the Arts Council to act as the conduit, promoter, reviewer and recommended agency for art to be placed in the art garden on behalf of Sedgwick County. The Arts Council adopted a process, outlined in the agreement, which includes an artist application, an assessment by the Arts Council, a county staff review with the County Manager's designees and a recommendation to the Commission.
On December 15, 2010 a project was presented to the Commission that met all of the aforementioned requirements, which had received the unanimous support of the Arts Council. The project that was proposed is an accurate solar/lunar astronomical calendar using about 100 pieces of Kansas limestone structurally placed or embedded into and rising from the ground. The stones will range in size from modest boulders to monoliths of 12 to 14 feet in height. The project is arranged in a north-south orientation and three adjacent circular paths will encompass approximately one acre. Seven of the largest stones will be permanently affixed on one surface with colorful art representing the flora and fauna of the seven continents; a deliberate link to the nearby Sedgwick County Zoo.
Multiple artists will participate in the project under the watchful eye of the principal artists to ensure artistic congruence. The architectural firm of Spangenberg Phillipps Tice will provide architectural and engineering services, and the movement and installation of the stones will be provided by qualified and experienced structural, landscape and cartage firms. And the county Project Services, the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Compliance Officer, Risk Management, and because we'll ultimately need an agreement, the County Counselor's Office and the Park Superintendent will have roles in ensuring that the County's interest is protected as this project develops.
This project is being offered as an unrestricted permanent gift to Sedgwick County. The County will assume responsibility for grounds keeping in and around the artwork and will need to install an ADA compliant path approximately 470 feet long, extending from the existing path, for access to the site from the north to allow visitors to experience the art more fully.
The estimated cost of the ADA compliant path in 2010 was less than $13,000. In 2010, the artists had anticipated the project to cost about $215,000 for which they will fully raise the funds. The County is not asked to do more than what is outlined above. In 2010, a two-year timeline had been established as a goal to raise funds and install the art, but it was also realized that more time might be needed and there was a commitment beyond that time table to bring the project to fruition. The Arts Council shared their belief that the project would be an iconic work that will inspire and amaze citizens and visitors for years to come. They also expressed belief that this will be the anchor work for the development of the art garden. Vital to the fundraising effort is the assurance to potential donors that the project has a supportive Board of County Commissioners as well as a timeline to assure success, the Arts Council recommended and the BoCC approved the project and reserved the identified space for four years, until January 1, 2015.
This request is for renewal of the proposal and an extension of time from January 1, 2015 to January 1, 2019. Additional fundraising efforts are underway with an approach that is believed to be more effective.
Financial Considerations: None.
Legal Considerations: The authority for this action is K.S.A. 19-101. A simple majority vote is required.
Policy Considerations: