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Council accepts donated sculpture 'Cycles 3' for Plaza Park on a pilot basis
Summary
The City Council unanimously accepted a donated corten-steel sculpture (Cycles 3) from local artist Peter Hassen and approved a pilot installation in the southeast quadrant of Plaza Park with final site selection, a movable pad option, and signage to be determined by staff and the Cultural & Fine Arts Commission.
The Sonoma City Council voted unanimously June 17 to accept a donated public sculpture titled Cycles 3 from local sculptor Peter Hassen and to place it on a pilot basis in Plaza Park.
Parks & Recreation staff described the work as three 8-foot corten-steel discs water-jet-cut with nature motifs (bees, birds, frogs) and weighing roughly 1,600 pounds. The Cultural & Fine Arts Commission recommended acceptance and placement in the Plaza Park southeast quadrant, just north of the main walkway where the piece's shadow and lighting effects can be visible. Commissioners suggested a movable concrete or base plate that allows later relocation and recommended a plaque and modest lighting if the council approves.
The artist offered to assist with transport and initial installation; staff estimated the city's cost for transport and in-place installation at about $1,500 to $2,500 for an initial temporary move, to be funded from the public-art fund. Council and staff discussed safety where events concentrate crowds (parades, plaza events), fall zones, potential landscaping and future fundraising to underwrite lighting and landscape work. Several residents and Cultural & Fine Arts Commissioners spoke in favor of acceptance; one noted that the donation is a milestone for the city's public-art program.
Council approved acceptance of the donation, subject to final site selection, verification of ownership documentation, and standard maintenance responsibilities transferring to the city. Staff will proceed with an agreement to transfer ownership and will install the piece under the pilot arrangement; the Cultural & Fine Arts Commission and staff will collect public feedback and report back before any final permanent placement decision.
