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Commission approves 'Portage' sculpture for Lake Street Park after brief concerns about footing and sightlines
Summary
The Middleton Parks, Recreation & Forestry Commission approved installation of a 15-foot public sculpture called “Portage” at Lake Street Park, with the arts committee responsible for routine maintenance; commissioners raised questions about footing, durability near the lake and nearby residences.
The Middleton Parks, Recreation & Forestry Commission voted Feb. 3, 2025 to approve a public-art installation called "Portage" for Lake Street Park.
Staff and members of the arts committee presented the sculpture concept—described as roughly 15 feet tall and 15 feet wide with a slimmer base—saying it is made of steel and a weather-tested, nonbreakable stained-glass–like material. The arts committee recommended the piece for installation and noted the artist’s studio (in Minnesota) will provide replacement decorative elements if individual pieces are damaged.
Commissioners asked questions about base and footing options (a single platform versus three individual footings), anchoring below grade and the risk of frost heave given the park’s lakeside location. Staff reported the recommended single base would measure roughly a 4-foot circular footing and said the artist proposed roughly one-quarter-inch steel for a footing plate; commissioners asked staff to confirm structural details and longevity with the vendor prior to construction.
Residents and commissioners had raised aesthetic and maintenance concerns. One emailed comment worried about snow or water accumulating in part of the sculpture; staff clarified the design consists of separate elements with open space between them and does not retain standing water. The arts committee said it will assume routine maintenance—an annual hose-down after winter and occasional touch-up care—and noted it sometimes hires outside experts for specialized repairs.
Funding and siting were also discussed. Staff said the project uses the city’s TIF-funded arts allocation, which limits installation to TIF-eligible locations; the chosen site sits in the upper portion of Lake Street Park near the street entrance and is scaled so benches and lake views inside the park remain unobstructed. Arts-committee members said a 15-foot height helps deter climbing on the structure.
Katie (arts committee) moved to approve the plan for the sculpture; Jamie seconded. The commission recorded one opposing vote and the motion carried.
Next steps identified by staff include finalizing footing and anchoring details with the artist and contractor, confirming structural specifications with the city attorney if required, and taking the project to common council as scheduled.
