Kenai accepts donated bronze bear sculptures; unveiling held Nov. 6
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Summary
City ordinance (No. 3491-2025) accepting donation of three bronze bear statues was introduced and enacted; unveiling Nov. 6 drew praise and staff are planning donor recognition, lighting and wayfinding signage.
The Kenai Airport and City Council moved forward on a small public‑art project that the commission and council described as a welcome addition to the terminal grounds.
A council representative told the commission the City Council introduced and enacted Ordinance No. 3491‑2025 to accept the donation of three bronze bear statues; the public unveiling took place Nov. 6. Commission members praised the sculptures and suggested installing low in‑ground lighting and a donor recognition board in the terminal; staff said an electrician has been contacted and the city will install lights that shine down on the sculptures.
Staff also said the historical marker and a message board with a welcome message will be installed, the ATM will be relocated to make room for the donor recognition display, and the airport is finalizing donor names for a spring installation inside the terminal.
In addition, staff said a previously displayed mural will not return to the terminal (it was likely relocated to the Soldotna Rotary or other community sites), and they will increase pet‑relief signage to reduce animals being brought into the terminal.
The commission thanked staff for coordinating the project and welcomed Julie Simmons, the new airport administrative assistant, who started Oct. 27 and attended her first meeting.
