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Middleton narrows Lake Street public-park sculpture RFQ to two finalists; safety and footing discussed
Summary
The Middleton Arts Committee reported it narrowed about 10–11 RFQ applicants for a Lake Street public-park sculpture to two finalists and discussed design, materials and safety concerns before recommending a submission for common-council review.
The Middleton Arts Committee on Nov. 14 said it has narrowed a field of roughly 10–11 applicants for a public-art sculpture at the Lake Street public-park redesign project to two finalists and set a timeline to review final technical submissions before a common-council recommendation.
Chair Michelle Phillips told the committee the project is tied to the boat launch redesign at Lake Mendota near Allen Street. Meg, who is co-leading the artist selection with fellow member Sebastian, said the committee and staff (including Parks & Rec director Kylie and staff member Abby) met with both finalists last week to review site placement, footing and maintenance requirements.
“Like, he submitted a drawing of, 2 women in a canoe. And so we discussed the placements, talked about increasing the height a little bit because I think he had it at 5 feet or something like that, and we were a little worried that kids would climb on it,” Meg said, describing one finalist’s 3‑D design and the committee’s safety concerns.
Meg said the other finalist, Milligan Studio, described a taller, thinner concept using welded stainless steel and glass and that both artists will submit materials lists, footing plans and budgets in the RFQ’s technical package. The committee set a submission deadline tied to the next meeting cycle; Meg said staff set Nov. 14 as the internal target to have materials available for committee review prior to any action by the common council.
The committee discussed practical considerations — anchoring, maintenance and visibility — and asked artists to consider increasing height or otherwise designing to discourage climbing while ensuring long-term durability. After the committee’s review, members expect to present a recommendation to the common council for final site approval and budget authorization.
No formal funding decision for the sculpture was made at the meeting; committee members said any recommended installation will go forward to the common council for review as part of the city’s public-art and parks review process.
The committee will revisit the finalists’ technical packages at a future meeting before making a formal recommendation to the common council.
