Centennial delays dedication garden nominations until Lone Tree underpass is finished; staff recommend two donated K‑9 sculptures

City staff updated council on May 13 about two arts items: delaying community nominations for a Centennial dedication garden until the Lone Tree Creek underpass and trail work is complete, and a proposed donation of two bronze K‑9 sculptures from the nonprofit “K9 Back the Blue.”

Staff said the dedication garden policy, adopted in 2024, anticipated odd‑year nominations and placement in the center park area; because the Lone Tree Creek underpass will impact that part of the park, staff recommended holding the first nomination cycle until after the underpass and trail construction (estimated completion March 2027).

On the donation, staff described two life‑size bronze canines modeled on Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office K‑9s — including Atlas — and recommended placement on the berm between the amphitheater and splash pad at Centennial Center Park. The artists met with handlers, photographed the dogs and proposed seated sculptures to reduce the risk of climbing and to make the statues accessible for photos.

Staff estimated the donor‑funded sculptures cost $25,000 each with installation; anticipated city costs were modest — an estimated $400 per year for cleaning and $100 per year for insurance — and could be subject to annual appropriation. Staff said the Centennial Arts Foundation will assist fundraising and coordination. "The cost to the city would be about $500 a year, dollars 400 for cleaning, dollars 100 for insurance," a staff member told council.

Council members said the site felt appropriate and requested a plaque and small landscaping buffer behind the sculptures; staff said they would incorporate a small evergreen and plaque into the final plan. If the city declines the gift, staff said the donors have alternate placement options with partner agencies.