2018.04.04 PREC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Parks and RecreationDRAFT 5-73 Public Art Public art is an important element of community spirit, vitality and identity. Public art helps define sense of place and enhances public space. New Brighton is evolving and redeveloping and wants to enhance sense of community and strengthen city identity. Projects like the New Brighton Exchange redevelopment are examples of creative and market-driven change that responds to an evolving community. Most new successful redevelopments in the Twin City area focus on a lively public space and incorporate public art as defining and accent elements. The previous Comprehensive Plan placed a focus on Public Art; through the New Brighton 2040 process, community input has indicated a slight shift from traditional “public art” towards desires to see a high level of design and artistic elements integrated into infrastructure and community connections. This includes streetscaping, updated recreational facilities, city gateways, and greenway connections. Art has the opportunity to be integrated into the design of these new features, and can be interactive, accessible , and even take advantage of the newest technologies. There is also considerable interest in expanding fine arts and cultural arts programs, classes and events. These activities enliven a city and build communities. The Parks and Recreation Department can play a key leadership role in fostering an arts community. By investing in beautification and cultural amenities, the city can avoid being perceived by some outsiders as a pass-through community with little reason to stop, and rarely attracts new business investment and residential improvements. »Public art can help make New Brighton a destination. »New Brighton needs a sense of identity and place. »There aren’t many art programs provided by the Parks and Recreation department. Future development should include art as a consideration in the design process. »Integrate public art with capital facilities planning. »Establish a relationship between the arts and culture community and the city’s economic development goals and planned projects. »Include art that fits the community. Aesthetic improvements Small aesthetic improvements to parks are a simple way to begin revitalizing parks and park facilities, improve the overall image of the parks, and help develop an overall park system identity. Possible aesthetic improvements include: »Creating new park identification signs for all parks. »Accent landscaping around signs to add color, texture and interest. »Create a park system-wide bench and waste receptacle detail with concrete slabs »Creation of a “signature element” within each park »System-wide standards for colors, materials and facility elements to assist in place making and community feel. Signage within parks should be easy to read & aesthetically pleasing Park furniture can be a great way to reinforce branding & placemaking Artistic elements can be integrated into play areas and even the topography Infrastructure provides a great opportunity for art and placemaking