Director’s report: Imagine Clearwater, Crest Lake plans, US‑19 LED maintenance and library swaddling tree removal

City arts staff provided a multi‑topic director’s report covering Imagine Clearwater (including Coachman Commons and the Clearwater Walk), Crest Lake Park art options, maintenance of the US‑19 LED gateway lighting and the temporary removal and storage of the swaddling tree during library renovation.

On Imagine Clearwater, staff said the project is at roughly 30% design and that public art opportunities will be included in multiple park areas; design work may reach 60% by February. Staff and board discussed the city’s existing $200,000 per‑project cap for public art and whether the board should ask city council to recognize that larger public projects may require more than the cap. The board asked staff to prepare a briefing sheet that lists proposed art locations within the project, potential budget ranges for each piece and a recommended ask to council so the board can provide feedback before any council request.

On Crest Lake Park, staff said artwork is under discussion and that options include a water‑based piece in or near the lake or integrated artwork in the splash pad ground surface; a playground integrated as art was considered but staff said insurance and provider responsibilities complicate that option.

Board members raised maintenance concerns about the US‑19 Gulf‑to‑Bay FDOT overpass LED strip lighting, which staff agreed to contact FDOT about; the board characterized the strip as deteriorating and said it serves as a gateway to Clearwater.

Staff also said the swaddling tree public artwork will be temporarily removed during library renovation, taken off site for grinding and repair work and returned to the site when construction allows. Staff will coordinate transport, storage and restoration steps.

The board asked staff to return with budget sheets and the list of art opportunities for Imagine Clearwater at the next meeting.