Public Art Commission accepts Threshold 5 sculpture into Escondido's permanent collection

The Escondido Public Art Commission voted unanimously to accept "Threshold 5," a five-part metal sculpture (described by staff as a portal of nested shapes) donated by the Escondido Community Foundation into the city's permanent public art collection.

Robert Rhodes, assistant director of community services, told commissioners the commission previously voted to accept the piece and later to explore making it a permanent installation. The commission earlier examined a hilltop location at Kit Carson Park but staff said an environmental review to place it there would have been costly because of protected habitat; Rhodes estimated such a review could have cost around $100,000. Staff and the foundation subsequently identified a new, more accessible site at the edge of Eagle Scout Lake near Entrance Drive and Castaneda Drive.

Rhodes said the sculpture is metal and designed to patina over time. Parks staff will work with the artist to adjust a decomposed granite (DG) path in the area as needed to accommodate the installation and to ensure accessibility; the chosen location is on a level path that staff said has no irrigation conflicts and presents fewer environmental impediments than the previously proposed hilltop site. Rhodes said the artist has submitted engineering drawings and that staff are finalizing an agreement; installation could occur as soon as mid-summer depending on contract completion.

The commission moved and seconded a motion to accept the Threshold 5 sculpture into the city's permanent collection and voted 7-0 in favor.