naturalized park areas temporary art installation

The City of Upper Arlington Parks and Recreation Department invites artists and/or artist teams to submit their qualifications to envision, produce and exhibit a unique, surprising and inclusive temporary sculpture in naturalized areas at Burbank and/or Northwest Kiwanis Park that connects visitors to nature and celebrates the natural beauty of Upper Arlington.

Project Goals:

• Inspire visitors to engage with nature and art to evoke reflection and conversation
• Bring a temporary art installation to Upper Arlington that celebrates the natural beauty of the community.
• Educate the community on the artist’s process of creating and installing a work of art.
• Bring awareness to naturalized areas in Northwest Kiwanis Park and/or Burbank Park

Site Description:

Artists may choose one of the following site locations:

Northwest Kiwanis Park | 4840 Stonehaven Drive, Upper Arlington, OH 43220

Located in northeast Upper Arlington, Northwest Kiwanis Park includes 22 acres of sport fields, multi-use paths, playground, shelter house, public seasonal restrooms and naturalized areas.

The wooded area along the south boarder of Northwest Kiwanis Park, was decimated by the effects of the emerald ash borer. In an effort to more effectively manage the area and return it to its former state of thriving forest, the Parks & Recreation Department has cleared most of this area of the hazardous trees and undesirable species, preserving and maintaining as many safe and viable trees as possible. An additional 300 trees were also planted in the area. A trail has been added to the center of the forest with logs from the tree removal, lining the trail. 6-8 foot tall tree trunks were left as snags and provide habitat for insects and wildlife. Additional clearing of invasive species to the area directly adjacent to Stonehaven Dr is scheduled for January/February of 2024.

Burbank Park | 4780 Stonehaven Drive, Upper Arlington, OH 43220

Adjacent to Northwest Kiwanis Park, Burbank Park includes 7 acres of sport fields, multi-use paths, public seasonal restrooms, a shelter house and naturalized areas.

In 2021, an area of Burbank Park was identified for improved natural area management. This area was once a thriving stand of young Ash trees. Unfortunately, over the last decade the non-native invasive pest, the Emerald Ash Borer, killed most of these trees. The Parks & Recreation Department cleared most of the woody plant material from this area, converting it to a combination of turf and pollinator habitat, with the addition of a mulched foot path. Our goal was to manage and provide a safe, inviting and more usable natural space.

Timeline:

• May 15, 2024 - Artists notified if selected to move to the next round - Selected artists must submit a detailed proposal for the project
• July 15, 2024 - Proposals from selected artists due
• July 22 – August 2, 2024 - Proposals reviewed – Proposal presentation to Artist Selection Panel
• August 7, 2024 - Artist Selection Panel recommendation to Cultural Arts Commission
• August 12, 2024 - Artist notified of selection
• September 1 – October 17, 2024 - Phase 1: Design documentation including final design, installation details, fabrication budget and timeline
• October 17, 2024 - Public art event – community engagement opportunity
• Winter/Spring 2025 - Fabrication and Installation