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Council approves donor-funded arch and pool sign at Ralph Sampson Park
Summary
Council unanimously approved an entry arch design by artist Maxwell MKs and a historic pool sign for the Ralph Sampson Park spray grounds, accepting a private donation to fund three pieces of public art and deferring a mosaic presentation until community vetting is complete.
Amy Snyder, deputy city manager, told council the city has been working with donors Chris and Steve Carpenter since late 2025 on three pieces of public art at the Ralph Sampson Park spray grounds: a roundabout sculpture, an entry arch at the spray grounds and a mosaic for the pump house. "They approached the city with an incredibly generous donation offer to fund 3 pieces of art at the Spray Grounds," Snyder said.
Chris Carpenter described the arch proposed for the spray grounds as a colorful 24-foot-wide, 13-foot-high festooned arch showing children double-dutching and said the design includes mesh in triangular openings to discourage climbing. Carpenter said the mosaic for the pump house is still being refined after community feedback; the mosaic artist has logged 200 hours but will do more work. Council members praised the design and vetting process. "It's stunning," one councilmember said during discussion.
A motion to approve the archway design by Maxwell MKs for the spray grounds and to approve the proposed pool sign carried on roll call with council voting in favor. City staff and the donors said the mosaic will return for future review once the artist has revised the design to reflect community input. The council's approval covered the arch and the sign; the mosaic remains pending.
