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Commissioners debate ‘We Are Tamarac’ median sign and broader public-art strategy
Summary
Staff proposed a 60-inch illuminated “We Are Tamarac” sign for the median on Southgate Boulevard; commissioners asked for more design options, clearer linkage to city branding and consideration of alternative locations that would create selfie/tourism opportunities and reduce maintenance and traffic risks.
City staff presented a proposal for a new public art/entry sign reading “We Are Tamarac,” to be installed in the median on Southgate Boulevard near the park access. The project would use the city’s public-art allocation (two percent of development fees) and the vendor estimate shown to the commission totaled $68,000.
George Gatson, representing the public-art consultant, and Maher Mansour of Community Development outlined the proposal and said the Public Art Committee recommended the illuminated channel-letter treatment to improve the city’s entryway identity. Staff said the sign would be mounted on concrete footings, would be illuminated, and the two dual-port EV chargers and Veterans Park nearby would provide visitor amenities.
Commissioners raised questions about design alternatives, siting and visibility, pedestrian access for photo opportunities, vandalism and maintenance, and how the piece would align with a broader public-art and branding strategy. Several commissioners suggested the sign should be more Instagram-friendly — “Tamarac” letters on a plinth or diagonal layout so people can take photos — and that the city should consider locating a selfie-style sign or public-art cluster in a place where people could safely stop and gather (for example near an entrance plaza or park) rather than on a traffic median.
Staff said the Public Art Committee had set a budget guideline and had favored a statement-piece for the Southgate median because it is a major entry point; staff also said the city is preparing a public-art brochure and inventory that will show existing works and help plan a more coordinated public-art trail. Commissioners suggested staff return with several design prototypes and cost comparisons as well as options for alternate locations and a maintenance plan; some members also asked staff to consider a consistent design language that could be repeated across parks and sites.
No formal action was taken at the workshop. Staff will return with additional design options, cost comparisons, proposed locations and a brief on maintenance and vandalism mitigation before the commission votes.
