Donors pledge $100,000 for public art at Ralph Sampson spray grounds; neighborhood members ask for stronger local input
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Summary
Steve and Chris Carpenter pledged $100,000 to fund public art at the Ralph Sampson spray grounds, proposing a mosaic of the historic diver, a child‑friendly arch and a roundabout piece; neighborhood leaders urged more resident representation on the selection committee and public vetting of finalist designs.
Donors Steve and Chris Carpenter asked Council on Jan. 13 to accept a $100,000 gift to fund three public art pieces at the Ralph Sampson spray grounds that would celebrate neighborhood history and add child‑oriented features.
Deputy City Manager Amy Snyder described staff coordination with the donors and Parks & Recreation. The donors said they plan a mosaic on the pump house depicting an iconic photograph of a Black diver from the site's segregated‑pool era, a whimsical arch at the main entry sized to complement playground elements, and an art installation for the roundabout. The donors proposed a national call for artists for two pieces and a local call for the mosaic.
Several council members and neighborhood representatives praised the gesture but pressed for broader neighborhood involvement in the selection process. Councilmember comments and neighborhood speakers asked for additional resident seats on the selection committee and suggested children from the Boys & Girls Club be included in reviewing playground‑oriented submissions. Amy Snyder and donors said they would work to increase neighborhood input; Council then approved the donation and direction to proceed with staff oversight.
