Resident proposal to install bronze animal statues in Woodland Park medians advances to DDA and budget planning

WOODLAND PARK, Colo. — Claudia Miller presented a proposal at the Sept. 18 council work session to install life‑size bronze animal sculptures in several Woodland Park medians, saying the project would create a “gateway to the mountains,” require limited maintenance and enhance downtown aesthetics.

Miller, representing Keep With and Park Beautiful, described bronze castings produced by Bronzeman and recommended a set of animal sculptures to be placed in medians and other gateway locations. “The idea with something that's low maintenance and has a wow factor is something that I feel and others could make such a significant difference,” Miller said.

Miller said Bronzeman uses a lost‑wax bronze casting process and patinas that age well, and that the vendor provided references and a national track record. She said the vendor offered a 15% discount on a proposed package; one example she cited was the "deer family," reduced from about $59,000 to $48,407.50 after the discount. Miller recommended sites across town, noting engineers would need to confirm sight lines and safety and that coordination with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) specifications for median artwork would be required.

Staff added practical cost information. A staff member said city engineers estimate a base and installation cost of about $5,000 per statue base and that facilities staff are exploring median rock placement to reduce weeds and maintenance in advance of any installation. The presenter said she had asked staff to program two statue bases in the city's 410 fund for the next year's budget so the city could pilot installations — one near AJs and one at an entry point downtown were suggested.

Council members and staff discussed options including using existing trees and plantings to maintain a more natural look, starting with a small pilot rather than installing statues in all medians, and coordinating with the DDA on downtown placements. Council member Jones said the DDA review would be appropriate.

Miller and council members discussed durability and maintenance: Miller said some bronze installations are waxed annually but many references reported no routine waxing and continued attractive appearance after 15 years. Staff said the vendor would not perform installation but would provide installation guidance and that the city would handle engineering and base work.

Next steps noted in the meeting: staff will bring median and DDA priorities to the next DDA meeting and, if supported, incorporate funding for two bases in the 410 fund budget proposals for council review.