Commission approves temporary installation of tide‑interactive sculpture 'Atlantis' in Reid Park with conditions

The Manchester Conservation Commission voted to approve a temporary license for a tide‑interactive sculpture, 'Atlantis' (the Tide Keeper), presented by Alisa Bonelli of the Tidekeepers Foundation, with conditions to avoid interference with planned dock trenching and to require coordination with the harbormaster, DPW and select board.

Bonelli said the bronze sculpture will be completed at the foundry by late July and that the organization has committed funds toward casting; she asked to place the work in Reid Park while the Chapter 91 harbor permit proceeds. “We would love for the town to be able to start connecting with the sculpture while we work on the chapter 91 permit,” she said.

Commissioners pressed on logistics and timing, including a possible conflict with a planned utility‑trenching sequence for dock work. The commission required that placement not interfere with the trenching, that the harbormaster, select board and DPW supervise the installation, and that the sculpture return before the commission after 12 months if additional time is needed. Commissioners also suggested a maximum display duration to prevent indefinite on‑park storage and discussed alternative temporary locations (Masconoma Park, Bridal Park) if trenching made Reid Park infeasible.

The commission’s motion included a negative determination requirement associated with the Chapter 91 process and explicitly called for coordination with DEP. The motion passed with the commissioners voting in favor; the applicant scheduled a ribbon‑cutting for August 1 at 11 a.m.

Authorities mentioned during discussion included the Chapter 91 waterfront permitting requirements and standard town coordination (harbormaster, DPW). The commission’s approval imposes town conditions intended to avoid interference with public-works operations and to set a clear review point at 12 months.