Title
Recommendation to Select Physical Public Art Site Within Washington Park and Review Proposed RFQ Timeline
Body
To: Honorable Chair and Members of the Public Art Commission
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On October 21, 2024, the Public Art Commission (PAC) approved a Biennial Work Plan which includes a request for qualifications (RFQ) in 2025 for physical art. Over the last year, staff researched and evaluated 41 potential sites and engaged over 300 Alamedans in the process. Three top sites were selected, and Washington Park was deemed most suitable.
In preparation for the RFQ, staff are recommending the PAC select a site within Washington Park for placement of the physical public art and review proposed RFQ timeline.
BACKGROUND
The site selection process for physical art is outlined in the City’s 2023 Public Art Master Plan. The Plan includes recommendations to develop and establish “prioritized sites for public art across the island.” To do this in tandem with the development of physical public art in Alameda, staff researched and ranked 41 sites for potential public art based on the following five (5) criteria; visibility, accessibility, environmental suitability, safety, and community input. Below is a summary of the site selection process to date.
• In 2024, over 300 Alamedans responded to a City-wide poll. The poll findings were used to inform the selection of five primary sites for future physical public art.
• Of the five primary sites, the PAC selected three top sites: Washington Park, Neptune Park, and the Main Street Ferry Terminal.
• Staff conducted extensive research into the top three sights. Staff consulted with Alameda Recreation and Parks Department, Public Works, and SF Bay Ferry.
• Due to sea level rise, flood inundation and discontinuation of ferry service, both Neptune Park and the Main Street Ferry Terminal were ruled out as potential sites.
Consequently, Washington Park was deemed the most suitable and was selected as the location for the City’s next grant call for physical art. In the City’s initial community outreach efforts, Washington Park ranked second among all locations in the survey indicating it’s a favorable site among residents.
Once Washington Park was confirmed as the next site, staff worked closely with the Alameda Recreation and Parks Department (ARPD) to determine appropriate locations within the park. On March 25, 2025, staff and the PAC conducted a walking tour of Washington Park and reviewed four possible locations recommended by ARPD. The PAC selected two locations: the first near the playground; and the second near the park entrance, close to the intersection of Central Avenue and 8th Street.
DISCUSSION
Site Selection: In preparation for the upcoming RFQ, staff requests that the PAC select a final site within Washington Park.
The four possible locations within the park are shown in Exhibit 1. The discussions during the PAC walking tour indicated that the most preferable sites were:
1. Location #2 (Gateway) near the Central Avenue and 8th Street intersection which is more suited for a gateway-type piece of public art that could span the pathway; and
2. Location #3 (Playground) adjacent to the playground, which is further from the road and closer to play facilities, is more suited for an interactive piece of artwork.
Budget Considerations: Staff worked with the Recreation and Parks department to develop cost estimates for site preparation at both locations in Washington Park.
• Gateway Location (Location #2) -- Site Prep Total Cost: $90,000
• Playground Location (Location #3) -- Site Prep Total Cost: $70,000
Draft Schedule: Once the site is selected, staff will develop and launch the RFQ for physical art. Below is a timeline estimate for the RFQ launch through installation. Please note, this timeline is subject to change:
2025
August - Open Call for RFQ Review Panel Participants
October - Review Panel Participant Applications, Select Panelists, Market and Share Upcoming RFQ
November - Launch RFQ, Market and Share RFQ, Applications Open for Eight Weeks
2026
January - RFQ Deadline
February - RFQ Reviewed, Shortlist Confirmed by Review Panel, Eight Weeks to Develop Mock-Ups
April - Receive Completed Mock-Ups from Artists
May - Conduct Outreach in the Parks, Garner Community Feedback on Mock-Up Designs
July - Review Panel Selects Public Art Grant Awardee
August - Design Development
September - November - Fabrication
2027
January - Installation begins
March - Installation Complete
April - Ribbon Cutting and Unveiling
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the PAC selects a Site Within Washington Park for Physical Public Art and Review Proposed RFQ Timeline
Respectfully submitted,
Dwayne Dalman, Economic Development Manager
By,
Jackie Keliiaa, Development Manager, Secretary
Exhibits:
1. Potential Physical Art Locations in Washington Park
2. Site Preparation Costs