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Tipp City Council hears renewed plan to finish Canal Lock Park public-art project
Summary
A community group asked the council to endorse a revised public-art concept for Canal Lock Park so they can finish a grant-funded sculpture featuring a 10–12-foot metal "tree" with glass elements and community-made wind chimes; council asked safety and lighting questions and will consider a motion at the next meeting.
Lynn, a local organizer, asked the Tipp City Council to signal conceptual approval for a long-delayed public-art project at Canal Lock Park so the group can complete work funded by a $5,000 TIF Foundation grant. “We don't wanna…hand them back their $5,000 and say, ‘oh, well, too bad,’” Lynn said.
The revised design calls for a roughly 10–12-foot metal “tree” sculpture by local artist Marie Mac, incorporating existing pieces and glass work contributed by area artists including Moja Somadar and stained-glass elements from a family member. Lynn said the sculpture will be bolted to a city-poured concrete pad and have no moving, sharp parts; community members contributed wind chimes stamped with names at past events.
Council members raised practical concerns about safety and durability, noting that lower branches could put parts within arm’s reach and that visitors might climb or tamper with chimes. Lynn said the team can specify higher placement for lower elements and that chimes will be smooth-edged. Council also asked about lighting and whether a decorative fence should be installed; Lynn said she will consult Candace, who manages another local art park, to learn what has worked there. The group noted the site is near an existing lamppost and suggested solar lighting as an option.
The presenters asked council to be “okay with the concept” and requested that staff place a formal motion on the next council meeting agenda; members discussed two possible meeting dates (Dec. 2 and Dec. 7) during the exchange. Lynn left a prototype with council for review.
The council did not take a formal vote on the concept at the Nov. 18 meeting. Next steps identified by presenters and council staff include clarifying height and mounting details, confirming lighting options, checking practices at a nearby art park, and placing the project on the next agenda for a formal motion.
Community relevance: the project uses local artists and community-made elements, will be installed in a public park, and was initially funded by a $5,000 TIF Foundation grant.
