Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Art topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Design council approves 90% designs for three Wichita public artworks, seeks $100,000 grant for enhancements
Summary
The design council approved 90% designs for two new East Douglas installations (Ivan and Scott) and confirmed Chris Pan's previously approved piece; staff and artists said they would seek about $100,000 from the Wichita Parks Foundation for turf and concrete banding that would enhance two pieces.
The Wichita City Design Council unanimously approved 90% designs for two public artworks on the East Douglas corridor and acknowledged a previously approved third piece, moving the projects to City Council for funding and final approvals.
Ivan described a two‑site sculpture concept "inspired by the river's natural flow and the dynamic rhythm of the water," showing sketches that include cast fiberglass ‘‘wishbone’’ elements, landscape integration and optional turf and concrete banding if additional funding is secured. Ivan and staff said benches were decoupled from the primary sculptural budget to keep costs manageable.
Scott presented a windmill‑and‑lineman installation that uses galvanized steel, powder coating and Corten steel screening around existing electrical infrastructure. He described a pole footing and structural approach intended to meet municipal standards; the pole and structural elements were described as freestanding and designed to be maintenance‑resistant.
Presenters and staff said they have requested $100,000 from the Wichita Parks Foundation to pay for turf and concrete banding so the full concept could be realized; the foundation's board was expected to act by the first week of May. Consultants said the project team hopes to begin fabrication and install multiple projects in October if funding is available.
Councilmembers questioned visual clutter from a recreated pole, public safety (climbing) and maintenance of planted prairie grass; designers and staff said the pieces are engineered for safety, will include didactic signage and pathways for maintenance, and that laser‑cut screen detail may be simplified for fabrication. After discussion the council approved the designs and directed staff to move the projects to City Council for funding release.
Next steps: staff will pursue foundation funding decisions, complete final engineering and present funding requests to City Council so fabrication and installation can proceed.
