Roundabout committee favors three farm-themed silhouettes over vintage equipment

The Ridgefield Roundabout Committee on Wednesday reviewed design sketches for a new roundabout installation and coalesced around recommending three metal silhouette figures placed around the perimeter rather than a central display of donated vintage farm equipment.

The committee’s presenter summarized several concepts, including cutout metal silhouettes of farmers and animals, a farmhouse with a windmill, and a hybrid option combining silhouettes around the edge with farm equipment in the middle. "This was our first concept for this roundabout — a cutout metal silhouette of a farmer and a horse," the presenter said, noting the sketches were preliminary and actual dimensions had not been provided.

Members praised the artwork options — particularly a barn and the inclusion of a female farmer — but raised repeated concerns about scale and visibility on the roughly 50-foot-diameter roundabout and the height of the existing 2-foot knee wall. One member warned that life-size figures on a pedestal could place artwork 7 to 12 feet above ground, potentially making the center element awkward or difficult to read from all approaches.

Several members also objected to placing the donated vintage farm implements in the center. "I do think it's a hazard for small children or teenagers," a committee member said, citing small rusted parts and potential liability if people attempted to climb or sit on the equipment. Staff noted that some pieces appeared heavily rusted and would require significant treatment or modification to be safe and durable.

Staff said a comparable installation on Discovery Drive, which included pedestals, cost roughly $26,000; the committee discussed trade-offs between fewer plants (a cost savings) and added concrete or knee-wall construction for pedestals. Committee members suggested design compromises such as simplifying the barn cutout to reduce negative space, using contrasting plantings behind metal cutouts for visibility, or stylizing silhouettes to reference specific implements without exposing original equipment.

Chair and staff said they would update the packet and present the committee's preferred alternative — three silhouettes with nothing in the middle and minor barn modifications — to city council. Staff indicated the packet would be included in council briefings but that it is too late to place the item on this month's council agenda. The committee did not take a formal recorded vote on the design recommendation; members expressed general agreement during discussion.

Next steps: staff will refine the drawings to reflect the committee’s preferences, provide updated cost estimates that reflect pedestal and planting options, and forward the packet to the council for review.