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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBI SPO
FROM: Jay Walter, Public Works Director COG,)
Prepared By: Jennifer Lawrence, Engineering Technician y
SUBJECT: DAMON-GARCIA PUBLIC ART
CAO RECOMMENDATION
As recommended by the Public Art Jury, the Parks and Recreation Commission and the
Architectural Review Committee, approve the public art piece entitled Strong Play Ethic for the
Damon-Garcia Sports Fields.
DISCUSSION
Background
On October 21, 2003, as part of the Capital Improvement Plan for FY 2003-05, the City Council
approved $20,000 in public art funding to augment $20,000 previously allocated to the Damon-
Garcia Sports Fields for public art. Increasing the allocation to $40,000 better reflected a more
appropriate level of public art funding for a project of such magnitude and cost. Per public art
policy and procedures, staff released a Request for Proposals (RFP) on January 26, 2005, which
resulted in eight proposals to design and create an exterior piece of art for the site. (Attachment
1)
Public Art Jury Review
A public art jury consisting of Ruth Jorgensen, neighbor, John Spatafore, parent and youth sports
advocate, Bill Pyper, Parks and Recreation Commission, Rick May, Joint Use Committee,
Steven DeLuque, artist, Victoria Grostick, artist, and Maggie Cox, parent and youth sports
advocate, convened on March 30, 2005 to judge the merits of the proposals using the Guidelines
for Public Art. The jury evaluated the projects for:
1. Artistic excellence.
2. Appropriateness of scale, form, material, content and design relative to the
environment.
3. Relationship to the social, cultural and historical identity of the building.
4. Appropriateness of materials relative to structural and surface integrity, protection
against theft,vandalism,public safety and weathering.
5. Ease of maintenance.
6. Appropriateness of proposed method of installation of artwork, and safety and
structural factors involved in installation.
The:jury selected four proposals for a second and more in-depth review. On April 20, 2005, the
selected artists and/or their representatives presented their proposals to the jury, providing
maquettes, sample construction materials, and color schemes, and addressing any questions and
Damon-Garcia Public Art Page 2
concerns of the jury. The jury ultimately recommended that the piece entitled Strong Play Ethic
by Carol Paulsen, Stephen Plowman and Stephen Van Stone be forwarded to the Parks and
Recreation Committee, the Architectural Review Committee and City Council for acceptance. A
summary of the jury's discussion is attached. (Attachment 2)
Site Description
The Damon-Garcia Sports Fields are located at the northwest corner of Broad Street and
Industrial Way. The fields include 23 acres of mild slopes, intersected by both Acacia Creek and
its tributary, Orcutt Creek. In building the complex, extensive measures were taken to preserve
and restore the natural wetland and habitat. In addition, the area is near a site of historical and
archeological significance where evidence of Native American life — presumably Chumash —
existed. (Attachment 3)
Project Description
Strong Play Ethic includes the construction and installation of two separate steel structures. The
first, to be installed at the entrance to the fields just across the first bridge in the existing planter,
is an acrobatic figure balancing on a ball surrounded by the "Ring of Life" hula hoop. The Corten
steel figure is elevated on 7 foot high stainless steel tubing and the small ball will be hand
painted steel.
Across the field, spanning the entrance to the second bridge and the "tournament" field will be
the primary structure which includes two (2) 12 foot tall, lively, whimsical,'abstract figures with
arms and legs reaching to the sky. The figures appear to be throwing brightly colored balls back
and forth between themselves. The figures (also of Corten steel) and balls (painted steel) are
integrated structurally by a silver trail of stainless steel tubing which creates a 16 foot high by 23
foot wide arch to walk under, with adequateroom for maintenance and emergency access. The
main piece (the "arch") will be easily visible from Broad Street and the smaller "hoop" will be
readily visible at the fields' entrance. (Attachment 4)
Commission Review
Parks and.Recreation Commission (PRC). Per the public art policy, artwork proposed for parks is
reviewed by the PRC. On May 4, 2005, the PRC approved Strong Play Ethic for the Damon-
Garcia Sports Fields, finding that the proposed art met all criteria. Additionally, they
unanimously felt the project showed "spirit and life" and were very enthusiastic about the
proposal as it relates to the new sports field. (Attachment 5)
Architectural Review Commission (ARC). On June 20, 2005, the ARC reviewed the art proposal
for consistency with the established Guidelines for Public Art. At the meeting, the artists
presented a maquette to the Commission and provided a detailed explanation of the materials,
location, and engineering specifications selected for the piece.
.A brief discussion focused on a possible safety issue regarding the potential of children taking a
running start and climbing a figure at the base of the "arch" piece. The ARC suggested
considering the possibility of raising the piece to help deter this type of activity. City staff, the
Public Art Jury, the Parks and Recreation Commission and the artists have all considered this
G:LCumnt ProjectsTublic ArADamon-Garcia Sports FieldMamon-Garcia CAT
Damon-Garcia Public Art _- Page 3
safety issue. Based on the size, height and steepness of the sculpture as well as its location off the
sidewalk in a landscaped area and a relatively short "running start" distance, it was felt that the
risk of climbing the structure is minimal. Additionally, to raise a structure of this size even a
couple of feet would significantly increase the cost of the project due to high concrete, steel and
engineering prices. It would also greatly diminish its visual appeal. For these reasons, and due to
the low likelihood of occurrence, staff recommends that the project remain as originally
proposed.
The ARC enjoyed the proposal and voted unanimously to recommend the piece to City Council
for final approval. (Attachment 6)
CONCURRENCES
The Public Works Department, Parks and Recreation Department and the Public Art Jury concur
With the findings that "Strong Play Ethic" meets the criteria set forth in the public art policy and
guidelines. Artistic, structural and safety concerns were considered and mitigated satisfactorily.
FISCAL IMPACT
Based on the funding mechanism outlined in the Visual Arts in Public Places Program requiring
a 1% contribution from all eligible City capital improvement projects, the City Council allocated
$20,000 in the 2003-05 Financial Plan for the Damon-Garcia public art project. This was in
addition to $20,000 previously allocated to the Damon-Garcia Sports Fields for a total of
$40,000. As is customary, $1000 has been kept in reserve for finalists' stipends, a'dedication
plaque and accompanying ceremony. $39,000 is available for the production and installation of
Strong Play Ethic.
ALTERNATIVES
The City Council could choose not to accept the proposed art design and direct staff to repeat the
Request for Proposal process. Staff does not recommend this alternative due to 1)the exceptional
response from the first RFP 2) the amount of committee effort and review that went into the
selection of the proposed piece; and 3) the intrinsic quality of the work selected.
ATTACHMENTS
1. RFP Description of Work
2. Minutes from the Public Art Jury review
3. Vicinity Map
4. Artist's project description and illustrations
5. Minutes from the May 4, 2005 PRC meeting
6. Minutes from the June 20, 2005 ARC meeting
G:LCurrent ProjectsTublic ArtOamon-Garcia Sports Feld0amon-Garcia CARidoc
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ATTACHMENT 1
Notice Requesting Proposals for:.
PUBLIC ART
Damon=Garcia Sports Field
Specification No. 99826.90565
The Art in Public Places Program of the City of San Luis Obispo, California is requesting proposals
in an open competition for artists to incorporate art into the City's new Damon-Garcia Sports Field..
A total of$39,000 is available for the design and installation of the selected art.
Interested artists are invited to submit proposals for the artwork by no later than Wednesday,March
16, 2005, at 3:00 p.m. Proposals shall be submitted to the City of San Luis Obispo, Public Works
Department, 955 Morro Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. The City intends to use a blind selection
process; wherein no names are shown to the selection committee that determines which artists will be
chosen for interviews. Proposals must contain the artist's name, address and telephone number on a
separate sheet of paper, which will be removed from the proposal package. Any identification placed
on any of the submitted materials should be put on the reverse or under side. Proposals will be opened
publicly. Proposals received after said time will not be considered.
A pre-proposal informational meeting and walk-thru will be offered so that artists may become
familiar with the layout, the design, and the functions of the Damon-Garcia Sports Field. This will be
an opportunity to ask any questions regarding the City's request for proposals. A non-mandatory
walk-thru will be held on Friday, February 4, 2005, at 10:00 a.m. at the entrance to the Damon-
Garcia Sports Field,3615 Broad Street.
Proposal packages may be obtained for free on the City's website: www.slocity.org under Bids &
Proposals, or by emailing your request to pkingaa,slocitv.org, or by faxing your request to the Public
Works Department at (805) 781-7198. Please include your company name, street address, phone, fax,
and email address,along with the name and specification number of the RFP that you are requesting.
Additional information may be obtained by contacting Betsy Kiser, Principle Administrative Analyst
at(805)781-7151 or bkiser@slocity.org.
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J J ATTACHMENT 1
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
BACKGROUND
The Damon-Garcia Sports Field project was developed as the City identified the pressing need for
more full-sized and centrally located sports fields to accommodate the growing number of
recreational and athletic organizations in the area. The manner in which the field design was
arrived at is a testament to the cooperation and spirit of the community. The fields are available
year-round and are equipped with lighting for nighttime events. The Sports Fields plan was an
effort of the Parks and Recreation Department, the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Joint
Use Committee working in collaboration with the public to design and build a sports facility for
today and the future. The orientation of the fields and the proposed lighting scheme has been the
subject of significant public participation, including input from area residents, adult and youth
sports group representatives and parents of children who participate in youth sports.
The site location had for many years been used primarily for cattle grazing. It includes 23 acres of
mild slopes and is intersected by both Acacia Creek and its tributary, Orcutt Creek. Extensive
measures were taken to preserve and restore the natural wetlands and habitat. In addition, the area
is near a site of historical and archeological significance where evidence of Native American life—
presumably Chumash—existed.
Site Map—(Exhibit F)
THEME
The Damon-Garcia Sports Fields are located at the southern end of town. It is the intent of the City to
create a place for users to participate in and observe a variety of athletic activities, including soccer,
rugby and football and to provide an excellent location for a number of community events unrelated to
sports. Lighted concrete pathways were installed to provide pedestrian and bicycle access throughout
the park and to observe the natural wetland areas. The City of San Luis Obispo is looking for a wide
range of ideas for public art relating to the role of the facility in the community. Some of the ideas
discussed include sculpture, mosaics, and file work, with emphases on, but not limited to, sports,
children, families, local wildlife and habitat, and/or the acknowledgement of the Native American
culture once present in the area. The artwork should reflect and enhance the site and environment
and respond to the park's uses. Damon-Garcia is about social interaction and people and as such the
artwork should reflect, inspire and delight the public for whom it is intended. In this way the visual
language of public art can contribute to the community and develop a sense of time,place and activity
within the area.
PLACEMENT
The Art Selection Committee is seeking an artist to create an exterior work of art. The newly
completed Damon-Garcia Sports Fields offers many potential sites for placement of public art.
Examples of where art may be placed are on the bridges and/or fences. Art may include a series of
pieces, for instance along the pathways, rather than one single piece. Art in landscaped areas is
acceptable; especially as first seen from parking lot entry.Artists should consider the visual impact of
C.0acuments and Sett/ngsWauseADesktop105.04.05 agendaLpacket.dw
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MARK
the work as the park is entered and as pathways and the natural habitat is explored. No art will be
permitted in or near creek banks and no art shall impede on existing emergency vehicle access
roads and pathways. See Exhibit F of this proposal package for the designated areas for public art.
MEDIA AND MATERL9LS
The outdoor artwork must be constructed of materials appropriate for San Luis Obispo's climate.
The materials used for the public art shall be low maintenance, durable and fade resistant keeping in
mind public safety. Applicants will be required to complete and submit a Maintenance Record, shown
as Exhibit B in this package.
ARTIST ELIGIBILITY
The artist must be a resident of the State of California..Applications must be complete. Complete
applications contain all requested information, including information on an annotated photo list
With value of work, appropriately labeled photos, application form, signature of applicants and the
appropriate number of copies of materials. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
BUDGET
A total of$39,000 is available for the design and installation of the selected art.
INFORMATION
Please read the application directions carefully. We have made a number of revisions to the application
process. INCOMPLETE OR LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE REVIEWED. The deadline for receipt
of applications for the projects described herein is Wednesday, March 16, 2005, at 3:00 p.m. Applications
received either by mail or hand delivered to the San Luis Obispo Public Works Office at 955 Morro after
3:00 p.m. that afternoon,will not be accepted.
If you require more information or clarification,please contact:
Betsy Kiser,(805)781-7151
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ATTACHMENT 2
memorandum
April 29, 2005
TO: Buzz Kalkowski, City Planner
FROM: Jennifer Lawrence, Engineering Technician
SUBJECT: JURY REVIEW OF DAMON-GARCIA SPORTS FIELD PUBLIC ART
PROPOSAL
On Wednesday, March 30, 2005, a public art jury met to review eight (8) proposals submitted in
response to a Request for Proposals for public art for the Damon-Garcia Sports Field. The jury
consisted of Maggie Cox, Victoria Grostick, Steven DeLuque, Rick May, Bill Pyper, John
Spatafore and Ruth Jorgensen. Among other interested parties, the jury consisted of a member of
the San Luis Obispo Arts Council, professional artists, an engineer, a neighboring resident, and an
adult participant in a Youth Soccer league. Using the City's Guidelines for Public Art (Attachment
1),the jury evaluated the eight proposals and selected four(4)pieces for further review.
On Wednesday, April 20, 2005, three of the four selected artists and their associates presented their
proposals in greater detail. The fourth artist was unable to make his presentation personally due to a
medical emergency. After conferring with the artist by phone, Betsy Kiser, the Public Art
Coordinator, read his project scope aloud to the jury and was able to satisfactorily answer their
questions. At this review, the remaining artists provided a maquette of their piece and/or some
sample construction materials with the proposed color scheme. The jury, including four of the
original seven participants, once again evaluated the proposals using the Guidelines for Public Art,
ultimately recommending that the piece entitled "Strong Play Ethic" by Carol Paulsen, Stephen
Plowman and Stephen Van Stone be forwarded to the Parks and Recreation Commission, the
Architectural Review Committee and City Council for acceptance. A summary of the jury's
discussion follows:
1. Evaluation of artistic excellence. The jury unanimously recommended the piece for its
artistic excellence and broad appeal. They felt this colorful, unique piece was
imaginative and inspirational and enjoyed its sense of movement and play, appropriate
for the fields' intended usage.
2. Appropriateness of scale,form, material, content and design relative to the immediate
and general neighborhoods. The jury felt the piece was very appropriate to the
immediate area and consistent with the intended use of the field and desired image of the
facility.
C.V)o =,ds and SedingsWWsenDeskt0p105.04.05 agenda packetdoc
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ATTACHME92
3. Relationship to the social, cultural and historical identity of the neighborhood. The jury
felt that the piece did an excellent job of meeting these criteria with its welcoming,
positive and whimsical nature.
4. Appropriateness of materials in regards to structural and surface integrity, protection
against theft, vandalism,public safety and weathering. The jury agreed that the materials
selected for the piece were very appropriate for the site (painted and bare stainless
Corten steel) and would weather well. The surface treatment of the steel would provide
for relative ease of graffiti removal and the method used to integrate the pieces (square
tube internal framing and concrete footings) were deemed sufficient to insure stability
and deter vandalism.
5. Appropriateness of proposed method of installation of artwork, and safety and structural
factors involved in installation. See #4 above. The jury was confident that the proposed
installation method and structural factors were appropriate and adequate. The artists also
work with a structural engineer to insure structural stability of their artwork.
6. Ease of maintenance. The surface treatment and inherent nature of the materials used
will lend themselves to low maintenance requirements.
C:Wocum nts and SaO/ngs%slcuserU)oskrop105.04.05 agenda packet.doc
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ATTACHMENT 3
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Parks and Recreation Comn,._,ion ATTACHMNIS
Minutes for May 4, 2005
Page 2
concerned with the lack of history sites have with artificial turf fields.
Lemieux — questioned safety of sliding on tial wanted Commission to not be quick to
assume artificial turf will work for every f in San Luis Obispo.
Clay — questioned expense cost of ting irrigations systems to install turf, suggested forming focus
groups to get public feedback, s ed project needs a strong educational component.
No Action was made.
lic Art for the Damon-Garcia Sports Fields
i Jennifer Lawrence, Project Manager, presented this staff report and introduced th:ofthie
j artists: Carol Paulsen and Stephen Plowman.
Commission discussed the item.
Recommendation:
4 Pm
Approve selected artwork and forward findings on to the Architectural Reviewr
review.
Gri
5. Directors Report
LeSage briefed the Commission on the following projects:
■ Park Improvement Projects
■ Naming Sinsheimer Park Batting Cages
■ Department BBQ on June 8, 2005 at the Jack Hous
6. Staff Report
Shannon Bates, Children Services Supervisor, present a staff report on the various programs
happening in the Parks and Recreation Departmen d Todd Beights, Parks and Urban Forest
Supervisor, informed Commissioners on all Park tenance projects.
7. Committee Reports
Commissioners gave reports on Committ they attended.
■ Tree Committee— Dol ■ Joint Use Committee— Knight
■ Mayors Youth Task rce—Dunan ■ Jack House Committee—Pyper
■ Open Space—Do ■ Golf-
■ Therapy Pool— ■ Landscape Parkways-
8. Communications
-May 7, 2005 from 1 - Oam to 1:OOpm will be the Summer Registration Faire at the Ludwick
Community Center.
-Griffin suggested at a motion be made before every meeting to amend the order of the agenda.
Commission agr d.
9. Adjourn
The meeti adjourned at 9:05pm to the special May 25, 2005 meeting at the Parks and Recreation
Conferen a Room @ 12:30pm.
All"HMENT 6
Architectural Review Commission
Page 2
Fdiscussion
ndustrial Way. ARC PA 79-05; Review of a public art proposal at Damon
Sports Field; PF zone; City of San Luis Obispo, applicant. (Buzz Kalkowski)
vote, the ARC found that the proposed art pieces meet the City's Public Art
s and recommended that the City Council approve the project, based on
and subject to conditions and a code requirement: The main topic of
was whether the "arch" sculpture created a potential safety concem. A
was added which asked the artists to consider raising the height of the figures
in the larger"arch"sculpture to discourage children from climbing them.
4. 811 EI Capitan Way. ARC PA 86-05; Review of a public art proposal for the
Roadhouse mixed-use project; C-S-MU-SP zone; Covey 3, applicant. (Buzz
Kalkowski)
On a 4-2-1 vote (Commr. Lopes & Stevenson voting no, Commr. Root refraining from
participation in the discussion of the item given that he designed the piece), the ARC
found that the public art for the Roadhouse project meets the City's Public Art
Guidelines and approved the art installation project, based on findings, and subject to
conditions. Like Item No. 2 above, the ARC's discussion focused on whether the
proposed location for the art, in a courtyard area near the creek, was consistent with
the ARC criterion calling for art pieces that are "easily visible or accessible form a public
right-of-way."
5. 623 Serrano Drive. ARC 31-05; Review of a request to allow a new single family
home with building height and creek setback exceptions; R-1 zone; Amye and
David Osti, applicants. (Tyler Corey)
On a 6-1 vote (Commr. Wilhelm voting no), the ARC continued action to a date certain,
July 18, 2005, to allow staff to determine an alternative location for the top of creek
bank in the field more consistent with channel flow and soil characteristics and stake it
with flags. The direction was to encourage a building footprint that was located on the
street side of the creek channel and did not span the creek. They also asked staff to
provide a graphic of the building footprint possible with the previously assumed top of
bank at the 142-foot elevation contour.
COMMENT & DISCUSSION:
5. Staff:
A. Agenda Forecast Pam Ricci provided an agenda forecast, noting that the next
regular meeting would be on Tuesday, July the e. Because the City Council is
also meeting on that same evening, she noted that the meeting would be
relocated from the Council Hearing Room to the Planning Conference Room.
Presenting Planner: Pam Ricci L�� '
ATTACHMENT 6
C4 Of SAn IUIS O$ISN Department of Community Development
Planning Division
June 23, 2005
TO: Jennifer Lawrence, Public Works Department
Buzz Kalkowski, Associate Planner
M
FROM: Pamela Ricci, AICP, Senior Planner, Community Development
SUBJECT: Review of a public art proposal at Damon Garcia Sports Field
The Architectural Review Commission, at its meeting of June 23, 2005, granted final
approval to your project, based on the following findings, and subject to the following
conditions and code requirement:
Findings
1. The proposed artwork is consistent with Architectural Review Commission Public Art
Criteria, as stated in the City's Public Art Manual, Appendix C.
2. The Art Jury approved the artwork design on January 13, 2005, and the Parks and
Recreation Commission endorsed the pieces on June 6, 2005.
3. The public art application complies with the standards set forth in the Community'
Design Guidelines.
4. The project is categorically exempt from environmental review (CEQA Guidelines,
Section 15311).
Conditions
1. The two artwork pieces shall be constructed according to the plans approved by the
Art Jury and placed in the locations indicated on the site plan received by the
Community Development Department on May 13, 2005.
2. The structural elements of the art pieces shall be reviewed by the City Engineering
Division to verify structural integrity prior to the issuance of the building permit.
4 f _
� A?t�wtEwtT (v
ARC 79-05
Page 2
3. The minimum vertical clearance between the walkway and the base of the "two
figures tossing balls to each other" art piece (archway) shall be 13 feet, 6 inches, for
a minimum width of 10 feet.
4. Consider raising the height of the figures in the larger "arch" sculpture to discourage
children from climbing them.
Code Requirement
The following code requirements are included for information purposes only. They
serve to give the applicant a general idea of other City requirements that will apply to
the project. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list as other requirements may be
identified during the plan check process.
1.. A separate no-fee building permit will be required for this public art project..
Application and submittal requirements, plan details, and structural analysis if
required shall be completed in accordance with the standards established by the
Building Division.
The action of the Architectural Review Commission is a recommendation to the City
Council and, therefore, is not final. This matter has been tentatively scheduled for
public hearing before the City Council on July 5, 2005. This date, however, should be
verified with the City Clerk's Office (ext. 102).
cc: File ARC 79 —05: 680 Industrial Way
County of SLO Assessor's Office