The Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board on May 7 approved placing and accepting purchase of a public sculpture that the city has leased since 2017. The Michigan City Public Art Committee voted to purchase the piece and recommended installation at Hanson Park; the mayor has agreed to fund the purchase through ARPA neighborhood-beautification funds.

"The sculpture is 9 foot tall, 7 feet deep, and 2 feet wide," the treasurer of the Michigan City Public Art Committee said during the meeting, noting the piece’s subject is waterbirds and Hanson Park sits on Trail Creek, making the site appropriate for the work. The sculpture is presently located at Fifth and Franklin Street and the committee said maintenance staff would move it into place; the committee requested a quick timeline because another sculpture will occupy the Franklin location in about two weeks.

Board members moved to approve placement at Hanson Park and the motion passed by voice vote. Staff said the city maintenance department would relocate the piece and that committee funds and ARPA neighborhood beautification funds would be used to complete the purchase and installation.