The Public Art Committee presented a revised three-year plan and the commission discussed options to repair or replace a damaged interactive sculpture at Waterfront Park.

Public Art Committee chair Kate Oyer and Recreation Superintendent Shannon Shafer outlined priorities: refurbishing the Rigsby Center mural, continuing carved-tree sculptures, pursuing an Art-by-the-Bay partnership with the Safety Harbor Spa, installing light-pole banners and promoting sculptures throughout town. The committee said those projects aim to expand visible, walkable public art and to involve students and visiting artists.

The commission also reviewed a damaged community sculpture at Waterfront Park that originally included hands holding a globe and an overhanging arm. Staff reported the original artist no longer fabricates that type of work and proposed hiring an outside artist to re-fabricate a sturdier base and re-use the existing hands globe. Two repair concepts were presented: a lower (about 6-foot) base similar to the original height and a taller (about 11-foot) base that would place the globe higher and remove the overhanging arm to deter climbing and mechanical stress. Commissioners asked the Public Art Committee to return with refined design options and cost estimates and to weigh public interaction, durability and safety before authorizing a repair contract.

The commission approved the revised three-year public-art priority list and directed the committee to present multiple repair options and a recommended design standard for interactive pieces in public parks.

Sources: Presentation from the Public Art Committee and staff (Nov. 3, 2025).