The Parks, Recreation and Forestry Commission voted to accept a donation of a bronze sculpture titled "Abundant" by artist Teresa Baker and approved a site plan and installation process for locating the piece on the upper level of the Downtown Riverwalk kayak launch. City staff said the West Bend Friends of Sculpture will purchase the sculpture and pay for the base and installation; the city will cover additional site amenities estimated at $17,500.\n\nMike (Parks, Recreation and Forestry staff) described the location as an area originally left as turf when the Riverwalk was constructed and said the project would include a site plan and a mandatory floodplain analysis because of the proximity to the river. "This proposal will transform this area into a new destination along the Riverwalk," Mike said.\n\nProject costs and funding: staff summarized that the Friends of Sculpture would pay approximately $50,000 for the sculpture, base and installation; the department estimated additional seating, landscaping, electrical work, lighting and security-camera costs at about $17,500, producing an estimated total project cost of $67,700. The commission’s approval tonight cleared the way for the Friends to proceed with a site plan and required floodplain work.\n\nMichelle Mass, a board member of the West Bend Friends of Sculpture, told the commission the nonprofit covers installation and purchase costs and that the group does not use tax revenue for sculpture projects. "We cover all of the installation costs, you know, the project itself, the sculpture itself," Michelle said. She said the piece — a cast-bronze rendering of a traditional "worry" or burden basket — has been on view in Milwaukee without incident for 16 months and that the board proposes a small circular garden and seating to frame the work.\n\nStaff said they will add two visible security cameras on existing light poles and include additional up-lighting and seating that will also benefit Riverwalk users. The commission approved the plan by voice vote; members had no formal amendments. Work will proceed after a site plan and floodplain analysis and following any required permitting.