Art-in-Public-Places board approves modified Xavier Cortada ceramic mural for Manolo Reyes Park

The Art in Public Places Board voted unanimously to approve a modification to artist Xavier Cortada’s previously authorized artwork for Manolo Reyes Park, a resolution filed as 178221.

The resolution, approved 6-0, authorizes the city manager to negotiate and execute agreements in forms acceptable to the city attorney and in compliance with applicable laws, including Chapter 62, Article 16 (Art in Public Places) of the City of Miami Code. The board added a condition directing staff and the artist to standardize signage for the site and to relocate a fire extinguisher currently on the splash-pad wall to accommodate the work.

The revision renames the piece Pigeon Plum Native Flags Project and retains the approved medium and location on the splash pad wall that serves as the threshold between the pool facilities and the splash pad. Staff presentation materials said the revised design continues to emphasize Everglades ecology while adding a participatory component tied to the artist’s long-running native-tree program.

Artist Xavier Cortada described the project to the board as both an object and a community process. “Pigeon Plumb is one of my 12 native trees that I’ve been working on having people plant in Miami-Dade County since 02/2007,” Cortada said, noting prior school and community plantings and describing plans to donate small saplings to the after-school program at the school adjacent to the park.

Staff noted the tile mural will be ceramic tile, glazed, roughly 48 inches by 72 inches, and that a blue tile frame will be used to set off the work from the splash-pad wall. The packet included the original AIPP resolutions that allocated funds and selected finalists (AIPP 22007 and AIPP 25014), the artist’s statement, and a letter of support from Commissioner Ralph Rosado.

The board approved the resolution on a motion and second; roll call recorded unanimous support by the six members present. The resolution requires the artist to work with public-art staff to merge the artist’s proposed signage with the program’s standardized park signage and to ensure all installations comply with permitting and maintenance requirements.

Because the artwork is adjacent to pool and splash areas, staff told the board the materials and glazing were chosen for durability and ease of maintenance. The board’s approval includes the staff-recommended conditions on final design, signage, and relocation of site elements to accommodate the artwork.

The board recorded no opposition during the discussion and the resolution carries the same compliance language used in prior AIPP actions.

The item will proceed to contract and permitting steps; staff will return with any required final approvals and permitting documentation.