Members of a Portsmouth Boards & Commissions subcommittee on public art recommended to the full City Council that Prescott Park be the preferred site for a donated Fairy House sculpture, and agreed to finalize installation details before the council packet is submitted.

The recommendation followed a site visit by Mary and Deborah, who presented four candidate locations — the South Meeting House corner (Marshy Street and Meeting House Hill Road), the Marcy & Gardner little triangle, Prescott Park and Haven Park — and summarized pros and cons for each. Mary said the Marcy & Gardner location was "really cute" and well sheltered by neighbors' plantings, but committee members raised safety and ownership concerns. Committee chair noted property ownership appeared unclear on the tax map and advised the group to confirm whether the triangle is city land or private property before proceeding.

The subcommittee discussed foundation and maintenance requirements for the temporary sculpture. Mara noted the draft temporary art guidelines require that "installation must be submitted, and the budget for temporary art must include the installation costs," and that sponsors "are responsible for the de-installation" and for maintaining the piece during its public display period. The presenters said they prefer a stone base to lift the wooden sculpture clear of surface water and plan to include an engraved plaque acknowledging the piece and its sponsor.

On site suitability, the group concluded Prescott Park and the Marcy & Gardner little triangle were the leading options; after discussion the subcommittee coalesced around Prescott Park as the recommended site. Committee chair said, "It seems like there's consensus about that, Mary. So that's what we... we'll recommend to the city council." Mary agreed to prepare additional foundation details for the council packet.

Committee members asked about calendar deadlines to place the item on a council agenda. One meeting participant said the submission deadline for an upcoming council meeting would be "the Wednesday prior" to that meeting and mentioned two council dates under discussion (June 9 and a later meeting). The group agreed to confirm the precise deadline and to email the organizers which council date the subcommittee prefers.

The subcommittee also reviewed other neighborhood projects and signage connections to the annual Fairy House event. Members emphasized that the sponsor should accept responsibility for upkeep and de-installation, and urged that the installation plan include measures to minimize climbing and vandalism.

The subcommittee will prepare a brief recommendation and foundation/specification details for the City Council packet and follow up with staff to confirm the correct council submission deadline.