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Friends group outlines plans, budget and timeline for public art installations in Goodale Park
Summary
Organizers described a proposal process for multiple permanent sculptures and painted concrete pillars in Goodale Park, saying six finalist proposals are under review, maintenance and electrical access are unresolved, and roughly $200,000 in private funds has been raised so far.
Jeff Smith, a member of the organizing committee for the Friends of Goodale Park, told the Columbus Arts Commission on July 9 that the group has six finalist proposals for an initiative to install sculptures and painted concrete pillars in Goodale Park and hopes to have jury review and commission approval this summer.
Smith said the call for artists drew many submissions and that the project could place as many as 8–10 acceptable locations around the 30-plus-acre park, though not all locations are finalized. "We can create use of all. I think 10 or 10 ish spots in the park that we work with our the parks to identify as acceptable," Smith said. He added the group expects some proposals to include multiple elements and that the jury will meet in mid-July to line up with the commission’s August approval meeting.
The group described two main types of pieces in the request for qualifications: permanent sculptural installations and concrete cylindrical columns intended for painted murals. Smith said the columns are approximately 60 inches in diameter and described them as "immersive," with some designs allowing people to walk around or within the elements. "Those concrete pillars are part of basically mural space," he said.
Maintenance and city ownership were recurring concerns during the discussion. Smith said once pieces are paid for they would become city property and that the parks department and the Arts Commission are negotiating expectations for ongoing care. "The city would own them at that point," he said, adding that maintenance costs are a required part of artist submissions. Commission members and staff pressed for more detail on who would provide electricity, pathways, lighting and long-term upkeep, and the presenters said such specifics will be reviewed with successful applicants.
On cost, the organizers said the project set an initial guideline of $40,000 per piece as a baseline budget but that proposals could range higher. "We put in per piece was 40,000. That was just kind of a a lag... Some could be less, some people," Smith said. He also said the Friends group has raised about $200,000 to date from individuals and local civic organizations, and that the total raised could change the number of works the project can fund. "We've got approximately $200,000 already committed to the project before really doing any real hundreds," Smith said.
Presenters described options to "pin" high-cost projects on a prioritized list while continuing fundraising, allowing the commission to approve work conditionally or phase installations. They also said they are coordinating with Recreation and Parks, development staff and neighborhood groups and that a jury of reviewers will select the final pieces for an August commission consideration.
Commissioners and attendees repeatedly emphasized safety, ease of maintenance (including mowing access), and the risk of vandalism. One commissioner noted park areas near the pond are heavily used and recommended spacing installations to avoid clustering. Presenters said they have intentionally limited spots near the pond.
No formal action was taken on the installations at this meeting; presenters said they will return with materials, scale drawings, maintenance plans and lighting/electrical requirements during the commission’s August meeting. The organizers also noted murals on the pillars could be repainted periodically and that some supporting infrastructure (pathways, lighting) may require separate city approval and capital work.
Votes at a glance: The commission approved the minutes from the previous meeting by voice vote (mover not specified; second by Shelby) and later approved a motion to adjourn. Exact counts were not recorded in the transcript.
Ending: Presenters said the jury will convene in mid-July and that selected proposals will be submitted to the commission for review in August, with the organizers aiming to begin fabrication and installation as soon as weather permits in the following spring.
