The City Council on Oct. 13 adopted a resolution approving the final public art design concept for Veterans Memorial Park: a contemplative ‘‘Ring’’ by artist Gordon Huether. The item passed unanimously.

Cultural Arts Manager Craddock Stropes and Park Planning Manager Nick Stupin presented the project background, noting that the overall Veterans Memorial Park master plan was adopted in 2022 and that the park site comprises roughly 93.7 acres with the upper plateau set aside for permanent public art. Carlsbad’s public art policy — including the municipal requirement that certain construction projects set aside an amount for works of art (commonly 1% of construction costs) — guided the selection process.

The city issued a call for artists in 2023, received 35 submissions and convened a public arts advisory subcommittee (two arts commissioners, an arts professional and four residents). The subcommittee recommended Gordon Huether (Napa, Calif.) as the preferred artist. Huether’s proposed ring, roughly 20 feet wide and 16 feet tall, is designed to frame the horizon and provide a place for reflection that complements the park’s topography and lagoon views. Staff said the ring’s continuous form symbolizes duty, unity and remembrance and that the artist revised the design based on community feedback to include six discrete square steel tubes near the base as a subtle acknowledgement of the six service branches and to deter undesirable uses of the sculpture.

Staff described an extensive public outreach effort that included focus groups, nearly 600 online survey responses and consultations with veterans’ groups such as Vet Arts. Survey results presented to council showed the ring scored highest on measures the city had prioritized — encouragement of reflection and respect, fitting the natural setting and communal inclusivity.

Council members praised the selection process and the design’s contemplative framing of the coastal horizon. Council voted to approve the final concept and directed staff to proceed to detailed construction drawings, finalize fabrication contracts and coordinate installation with the larger park construction schedule so the artwork can be installed in coordination with the park’s buildout. Staff said the public art contract and construction schedule would return to council when those documents are ready.

A member of the Arts Commission, Barbara Chung, spoke in support of the design during the public comment period. The artist was attending another opening and provided a recorded message; staff said Huether’s firm will continue to refine technical, accessibility and durability details in the construction documents.

The council’s action approves concept design only; subsequent agenda items will include contract approvals and construction notices as implementation progresses.