Placement: New Business
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Torino Regional Park Roundabout Artwork
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Submitted By: Bethany Grubbs, AICP, Senior Planner/Public Art Program
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal to enjoy culture, nature and fun activities.
Executive Summary (General Business): The Selection Committee ranked Peter Hazel as the top artist for the Torino Regional Park Roundabout Sculpture. The commissioned artwork will serve as a gateway element into Torino Regional Park.
Presentation Information: Designing Local, the City’s consultant, will provide a presentation.
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Board recommend approval of Peter Hazel as the selected artist for the Torino Regional Park Roundabout Sculpture.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Board amend the recommendation and recommend approval of the sculpture.
2. Move that the Board recommend denial of the sculpture and provide staff direction.
The City of Port St. Lucie issued a Request for Proposals for a commissioned sculpture to be installed within the newly constructed roundabout at the primary entrance to Torino Regional Park. The roundabout sculpture is intended to serve as a gateway landmark, creating a visual point of interest for visitors arriving at the park.
Torino Regional Park is a 75-acre park that includes uplands, a scenic lake, and preserved natural areas. Planned Phase 1 amenities include the Dragon’s Lair Skate Park, Fairytale Forest Playground, Bugsville Splash Pad, pickleball courts, basketball courts, walking trails, and support facilities.
Issues/Analysis: The Selection Committee reviewed the proposals and ranked Peter Hazel as the top artist. His proposed artwork is a large, whimsical ceramic mosaic octopus measuring approximately 9 feet high, 17 feet wide, and 18 feet long.
The octopus is designed as an imaginary, playful creature that fits with the Fairytale Forest Playground and the overall theme of imagination and discovery throughout the park. Its eight tentacles extend throughout the roundabout, creating different views from each direction and giving the artwork a sense of movement.
The proposed sculpture would also complement the existing “Whorl” seashell sculpture located approximately one-quarter mile east. Visitors entering the park would pass the seashell and then the proposed octopus before entering the Fairytale Forest and other park amenities.
The sculpture will be constructed using steel reinforcement, mortar, and handmade ceramic tiles. The ceramic materials are designed for outdoor use and will be durable and resistant to moisture, weather, and temperature changes.
The Selection Committee selected Peter Hazel’s proposal because it best responds to the Fairytale Forest Playground and creates a distinctive gateway feature for Torino Regional Park.
Financial Information: The allocated project budget is $200,000, fully funded by the Public Art Fund. No taxpayer money is being utilized.
Special Consideration: The project schedule identifies installation in Summer 2027. The artist has indicated that the suckers and eyes can be wired for lighting to illuminate them at nighttime. This enhancement would be provided at no additional cost.
Location of Project: North Torino Parkway and NW Briscoe Drive.
Attachments:
1. Peter Hazel (Frontrunner)
2. Brad Oldham (2nd)
3. William Nemitof (3rd)
4. Request for Proposals (RFP)
5. Presentation
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: N/A