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Commissioners authorize Frenchman's Bay Conservancy to place sculpture on Union River trail
Summary
Hancock County Commissioners voted April 7 to permit the Frenchman's Bay Conservancy, with partners, to install a sculptural work on county property along the Riverwalk. Presenters said the pieces will be grant- or privately funded, made of local stone when possible, and that liability/maintenance will remain the Conservancy's responsibility.
Hancock County Commissioners on April 7 voted to permit the Frenchman's Bay Conservancy, with others, to erect a sculpture on county-owned property along the Union River that is held in an easement by the Conservancy.
"My name is Austin Schub, the director of land protection for Frenchman's Bay Conservancy," Schub said during a presentation to the board, describing a proposed public-art program to extend the Riverwalk trail with sculpture installations. Car Armano, executive director of Ellsworth, said the project aims to link downtown economic activity and outdoor recreation and that many pieces would be funded through grants and private donations.
The presenters said the project builds on existing sculptures placed near the library and that last year the library hosted loaned pieces funded by a state outdoor-recreation grant. Materials discussed included local granite and Ellsworth schist; the presenters said full implementation is funding-dependent and could take roughly three to five years. Schub said the conservancy has seed funding, a state historic-preservation clearance for the proposed site, and will return with finalized designs and, if needed, a draft agreement for the county to consider.
Commissioners asked whether the county would be expected to maintain or replace artworks if vandalized. "We are not asking for funds; this is purely transparency and engagement," Schub said, adding that policing and upkeep remain the partners' responsibility and that the city and library are cooperating. Commissioners signaled the chair would be authorized to sign an approval and that staff could prepare a written agreement if liability or other concerns require it.
A motion to "permit the Frenchman's Bay Conservancy, with others, to erect a sculpture on property owned by the county on the Union River presently in an easement with the Frenchman's Bay Conservancy" was seconded and approved by voice vote.
Next steps: presenters said they will continue fundraising and site planning, return with more detailed siting information and a proposed agreement if necessary, and pursue fabricating or commissioning pieces that are appropriate for a riverside trail.
