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Parks board recommends Rowe Park as permanent site for Washington bust
Summary
After neighborhood associations recommended Rowe Park, the Advisory Parks Board voted to forward a placement recommendation for a George Washington bust to the Planning Commission and Common Council; neighborhood grant funding was cited to cover site work and any conservation needs.
Planning staff told the Advisory Parks Board on June 9 that three neighborhood associations reviewed several possible locations for a George Washington school bust inherited by the city and recommended Rowe Park along Washington Avenue.
Jeff from planning staff said the piece — the bust and its pedestal — would be placed near a sidewalk corner to be ADA‑accessible and that neighborhood association grant funding is available to pay for relocation, a concrete base and modest site beautification. He said the monument's pedestal has been retained and that maintenance or conservation needs could be funded through the city's HICS account, which covers monuments on city property.
A board member moved to recommend Rowe Park for the bust; the board approved the motion by voice vote. Planning staff will forward the recommendation to the Planning Commission and to the Common Council for final approval. Staff said the Landmarks Commission involvement is not known to be required and that they will confirm any additional historic‑review steps as part of the City review process.
Board members noted that Rowe Park is a small downtown neighborhood park and that placing the bust there would make it more visible to passersby. The board did not approve a detailed site design at the meeting; staff said final design, pedestal placement and plaque language will be handled through planning and the grant application process.
