HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-10-26 - Minutes�Itn�H'•M1'
FAYETTEVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION
ADVISORY BOARD
Minutes for October 26, 2011
Opening:
A special meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board was called
to order by Jim Meinecke at 5:35 p.m. in Room 111 at the City
Administration Building at 113 West Mountain Street in Fayetteville,
Arkansas.
Present:
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board members Bailey, Thompson,
Meinecke, Mason, Waite, and Meldrum were present. Absent were
Lindsey, Hazelrigs, and Watson. Staff members Edmonston, Netherland,
and Thomas were in attendance. Leif Olson from Strategic Planning also
attended.
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA:
The Special Meeting of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board is called
to order for the purpose of reviewing a donated art project to be located
in a City Park. According to the Fayetteville Arts Council's Policy, the
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board is to review projects that have a
significant impact on a City Park or a recreational program. PRAB's
recommendation for this project is submitted to the Fayetteville Arts
Council and the Arts Council will forward approved items to the City
Council for final approval.
Donated Art Project Request: Jimmy and Jeanie Hill have requested to
donate a ferro-cement bench to be placed in Wilson Park's garden north
of the east parking lot by the flagstone garden path. This pathway was
also donated by the Hill family. The Hills worked with Eugene Sargent, a
local artist, to design and build the dogwood blossom bench with a
dogwood blossom paver path constructed with colored ferro-cement and
steel. Mr. Sargent also designed and built the three existing concrete
benches in the Wilson Park Castle area.
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Edmonston said that a great artist, Eugene Sargent, is ready to begin the
project. Because this donation is considered an art project and the cost
is $7,000, it has to be approved by PRAB, Arts Council, and the City
Council.
Lisa Netherland, a City horticulturist, said that this is a very exciting
project. It will be located in Wilson Park in the garden north of the east
parking lot. A paver path will also be constructed. The flagstone path
currently there was donated by the same donor, and they wanted a
special bench. It's an 18 foot bench and will be in a dogwood pattern. It
will be constructed with colored ferro-cement and steel. It will be the
color of dogwood flowers. The back of the bench will be high enough that
it's over people's heads.
Meinecke wanted to know if the leaves on the bench will make it 18 feet.
Netherland said yes. She said it will be spectacular.
Meinecke said that area of the park is beautiful.
Meldrum wanted to know if dogwood would be planted behind it.
Netherland said possibly. The background will be ever-changing. A
plaque that says the donors are Jimmy and Jeanie Hill will be embedded
in one of the leaves.
Edmonston said Mr. Sargent has made other benches in Wilson Park.
They have been there several years and have needed absolutely no
maintenance.
Meinecke asked if the bench would be a metal frame with something over
it.
Netherland said yes. The artist will be using steel covered with ferro-
cement with additives that promote growth of crystal structures that
waterproof and strengthen cement. She added that none of his benches
have ever been vandalized with graffiti.
Mason asked if the pavers would be custom made.
Netherland said that Mr. Sargent will make them. They will be four
different shapes cast in a range of earthtones to harmonize with the
existing flagstone pathway.
Edmonston said that if PRAB approves this tonight, and the Art Council
approves it, it will go before the City Council.
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Meinecke said he is blown away with this project. There will be a lot of
pictures taken there.
Parks Staff Recommendation: To approve the donated bench as
designated in the attached map in Wilson Park. The current concrete
benches built by Eugene Sargent have held up excellent in the park.
PRAB Recommendation: Meldrum motioned to accept the staff
recommendation and approve the donated bench, and Waite seconded it.
Motion passed 6-0-0 by voice vote.
Meeting adjourned at 6:46 pm
Minutes taken by Melanie Thomas
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