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Wolfeboro group seeks permission to site 30‑foot recycled‑wood ‘troll’ on town land; board requests engineering and access assurances
Summary
Volunteers calling themselves the Wolf World Troll Keepers asked the Wolfeboro Board of Selectmen for permission to install a roughly 30‑foot reclaimed‑wood sculpture by artist Thomas Dambo on town land. Selectmen welcomed the idea in principle but asked staff to get written approvals and an engineering review from the wastewater contractor and DPW before any license or agreement is drafted.
The Wolfeboro Board of Selectmen heard a 30‑minute presentation on July 1 from a volunteer group proposing to install a large‑scale public sculpture by Danish artist Thomas Dambo on town property.
Representatives of the Wolf World Troll Keepers said the installation would be constructed primarily of reclaimed and locally sourced materials and would be built and maintained through volunteer labor and private fundraising. “We are asking permission to place the troll installation on town‑owned land,” a presenter told the board, adding the group is not seeking taxpayer funds for construction or long‑term maintenance.
The presenters described the piece as roughly 30 feet tall, said it is designed to encourage outdoor exploration and education, and cited examples from other small towns where such installations generated increased overnight stays and business traffic. They also said they had consulted local partners, schools and the planning department and planned a stewardship program to minimize municipal maintenance demands.
Selectmen praised the outreach and the potential tourism benefits but raised practical concerns about the proposed site near the town’s wastewater treatment facility and access roads. Selectman Linda Murray said she wanted written answers about whether a future treatment‑plant expansion or operational access could be impeded and asked whether the project would require a lease or license agreement.
“I want those answers in writing,” Murray said, asking the town manager to obtain assessments from the public‑works director and from Woodard & Curran, the firm that operates the wastewater treatment plant, before the board considers approval.
Selectman Brian (last name on file) said he welcomed the artist’s interest and his site visits, but said the board should have a formal term sheet and a license agreement drafted by the town attorney. “Subject to terms and conditions,” he said, “I have no problem with approval.”
The board directed staff to obtain written input from DPW and Woodard & Curran, to return with a proposed term sheet, and to hold a follow‑up discussion. Town staff said the Woodard & Curran study is near completion and likely to be finished within weeks.
The board made no decision to authorize placement or a license on July 1. The group said its goal is installation in late summer or early fall 2027 but acknowledged that schedule depends on contractor and artist availability and completion of permitting and agreements.
What’s next: staff will seek written technical and access confirmation from the wastewater operator and DPW and return to the board with a term sheet and draft licensing language.
