The Columbus Art Commission voted to move COA 2400622 — the Clintonville "Squirrel Door Project" — to action and approved proceeding with the proposed temporary installation of small decorative doors in the Rose Garden at 3901 North High Street.

The project, proposed by the Clintonville Arts Guild, calls for up to 16 small "squirrel doors" mounted on trees at least 6 feet above ground. Installation is planned during the first two weeks of April, ahead of Arbor Day, and the display would remain in place until mid-September. The Clintonville Arts Guild will own and maintain the pieces for the duration of the temporary installation and will enter into a memorandum of understanding with Recreation and Parks for maintenance responsibilities.

Laura Partridge, president of the Clintonville Arts Guild, and Kathy Grama, a guild board member, described the community process and logistics. Partridge said artists will work in small teams and that the guild intends to maintain the pieces weekly while they are installed. The guild also said it has used recycled materials in prior temporary displays and that leftover pieces were previously sold or auctioned to raise funds.

Staff recommended moving the project to action after reviewing materials that included installation plans, materials lists, locations within the Rose Garden, and a maintenance plan. The staff report cited City Code 3115.05 and noted the Recreation and Parks Naming, Signage and Art Committee had no objections; staff said the project meets applicable code guidelines and that the applicant will sign an MOU covering maintenance.

Commissioners moved and approved sending the project to action and, after additional clarifying discussion, approved proceeding with the proposed temporary installation; the meeting record shows motions carried but does not list a roll-call vote tally. Staff noted the project will be processed under COA 2400622 and that required MOU language and maintenance arrangements will be completed before installation.

Next steps: staff and the Clintonville Arts Guild will finalize the MOU with Recreation and Parks and confirm installation timing and weekly maintenance plans.