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Bothell buys popular 'Fishing Frog' and funds playground art at Cedar Grove Park
Summary
Council approved using up to $90,000 from the city's '1% for the arts' public art fund to commission artwork for the new Cedar Grove Park inclusive playground and to purchase the temporary 'Fishing Frog' installation for permanent display at Both Landing Pedestrian Bridge.
The Bothell City Council unanimously approved a resolution on May 12 to use up to $90,000 from its public art fund to commission a professional artist for integrated artwork at the Cedar Grove Park inclusive playground and to purchase the temporary installation "Fishing Frog" for permanent display at the Both Landing Pedestrian Bridge.
"Following strong community support for the piece, the Both Arts Commission explored purchasing Fishing Frog for the city's permanent public art collection," arts manager D.A. McGee said. The artist William Schlow agreed to sell the piece for $10,000; the remainder of the $90,000 allocation would fund commissioning art integrated with the playground and minimal anticipated maintenance costs.
Council members praised the purchase and the playground plan as both a community amenity and a visual landmark for the city's Snohomish‑side neighborhoods. Council Member Dodd said securing a recognizable public artwork is an opportunity to create a place identifier for that part of the city. Deputy Mayor Alder noted significant community feedback asking to retain the frog permanently.
Next steps: Arts staff will finalize acquisition logistics and begin a call to artists for the Cedar Grove playground commission; remaining public art fund balance will remain available for future projects.
