By Philip Haldiman, Independent Newsmedia

Peoria’s newest community park is closer to groundbreaking, and with it comes two large art pieces.

A nationwide search netted two installations for the new park — “Songbirds” by David Boyer from Reno, Nevada and “VIDA” by Beth Nybeck from Kansas City, Missouri — at a total cost of $50,000.

A call to artists ran from Oct. 21 to Dec. 2, which drew  140 submissions from 29 states – 15 from Arizona. A review panel narrowed the field to 65, then, after public input, to five semi-finalists Feb. 9.

Art pieces were judged based on artistic merit and quality, artist’s past experience, likelihood artist will produce on time and budget, sensitive of site surroundings, as well as attention to safety, durability and maintenance.

John Sefton, Community Services director, said a groundbreaking date has not yet been set, but the park is projected to open in spring  2019, pending engineering and archaeological clearance as well as approval of design by the Army Corps of Engineers. The park is currently in the design and planning process, he said.

One percent of capital project expenditures are contributed to a public arts fund.

Rather than install public art once construction is complete, the artists will work with the city and incorporate their pieces into the design of the park, Mr. Sefton said.

The city contracted an art consultant to work with the design-build team, staff, pertinent commissions, and the public to incorporate suggestions based on public input received throughout the process.

Additionally, the city conducted a survey finding residents wanted the art to reflect or complement the upper Sonoran Desert, include concepts incorporating public involvement, reflect the design of the park and include possible functional aspects.



“We don’t yet know where the art will go at the  park, but the artists will work with the design team, rather than try to fit them in afterwards,” Mr. Sefton said. “This will allow the artist to engage in the design of park.”

“Songbird” is described as a light, fun and playful installation with a unique birdlike look. It has seven mechanical “flyers” with different sized bells for different notes. The slightest breeze moves the wings and different sized paddle wheels to ensure notes are struck at different rates, creating a non-repeating random “song.”

“VIDA” was inspired by the aesthetic nature of the agave plant, paying tribute to strength, endurance, adaptability and life. It includes seven elements: a center spire, three tall leaves, and three smaller leaves. Each element is freestanding, allowing people to walk around and through the artwork. The surface has an elaborate design, representing the plant at a microscopic level.

New community park
Location: East of Dixileta Road and Lake Pleasant Parkway.
Council District: Mesquite
Size: 100+ acres
Amenities: lighted fields, playgrounds, ball courts, a fishing lake, and a possible trailhead. Funding in subsequent years will be used for expenses related to land acquisition, design, construction, development fees, outside agency and public utility agreements, and park related capital equipment costs. A future phase of development (not funded) includes a recreation center and pool.
Interesting fact: Peoria has two community parks — Rio Vista is 50+ acres and Pioneer is 80+ acres. The Northern Community Park is likely to be greater than 100 acres.
Name the park: All Peoria citizens are invited to help name the park. All submissions will be entered into a drawing to win a mountain bike, courtesy of Target, or a $150 gift card to Bikers Edge in Old Town Peoria. To submit a park name suggestion, visit peoriaaz.gov. The deadline for name submittals is June 15, 2017.