Commission approves artist concept for City Hills Recreation Center public artwork

The Arts and Culture Advisory Commission voted to recommend an artist concept for site-specific public artwork at City Hills Recreation Center on March 20.

Staff presented the recommended concept, a design consisting of architectural tile elements with integrated solar lighting intended to be visible to both pedestrians and drivers. Commissioners discussed siting — staff said the park board previously approved two locations, one at the top of the hill and one at the bottom — and how the design is intended to engage both daytime and nighttime viewers. Staff also said the installation will consist of three pillars at the site.

Commissioners praised the use of a new material described in the presentation as “Kota XT” and the inclusion of solar-powered lighting. Lynn (city staff) and Krista (city staff) answered questions about community engagement carried out by the artist and noted the design work included outreach and viewing studies for pedestrians and drivers.

A motion to approve the item was made and seconded; the chair called the question and the commission recorded unanimous support with no stated opposition. The commission’s vote forwarded the recommended artist concept for the City Hills Recreation Center artworks to the next steps of the public-art approval process.