HomeMy WebLinkAbout6A Rotary Sculpture Report
Phone 952.447.9800 / Fax 952.447.4245 / www.cityofpriorlake.com
4646 Dakota Street SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: FEBRUARY 05, 2018
AGENDA #: 6A
PREPARED BY: FRANK BOYLES, CITY MANAGER
PRESENTED BY: FRANK BOYLES
AGENDA ITEM: ROTARY GATEWAY SCULPTOR PRESENTATION
DISCUSSION: Introduction
The purpose of this agenda item is to provide the opportunity for the public and
city council to learn more about the Rotary Gateway Park Improvement Project
and specifically about the sculpture completed by Lowell Pajari from ArtScape
Lighting.
History
The Rotary Gateway Park was adopted by the Prior Lake Rotary years ago. The
park is located along Dakota Street immediately west of Lakefront Plaza on a lot
donated to the city by Herb Wensmann.
The original park contained two rain gardens and a fountain. The Rotarians helped
to plant the original gardens and each year pulled weeds to maintain the gardens.
A fountain was included in the original park as were park benches with the Rotary
logo and a small pavilion was added by city crews.
After a decade the rain gardens themselves needed to be regraded and replanted
with aquatic plants. At the same time the water fountain, that had been donated by
the Rotary, was delaminating and had become a weekly maintenance burden. In a
joint effort between the city, watershed and Rotary a renewal project was planned.
The Rotary paid for the materials and provided labor for the plantings. The
watershed secured the aquatic planting from Sailer’s Nursery of Prior Lake. The
city provided project management and labor to update the vegetation in the entire
park. A vendor was identified to install a waterfall. The city staff extended water
and electricity for the new water feature, installed fencing and river rock at the
back of the park and capped off the project by constructing a new entry
monument.
The old fountain was removed and replaced with a limestone art base. Once this
work was completed, the Rotary sought local artists to design and build a
sculpture to be placed on the limestone base.
The city sought sculptors for the project, offering $2000 as an incentive. Mr.
Lowell Pajari, who had created sculptures which occupy city hall was asked to
submit a sculpture proposal for the gateway.
Mr. Pajari did and was awarded the work.
The sculpture, which is made of copper represents a natural wetland scene with
wildlife including birds at rest and in flight, turtles, branches and logs.
The sculpture is eye catching day and night because Mr. Pajari teamed up with a
friend who is a low voltage lighting expert. The two donated both the installation
and lighting equipment so the sculpture can be enjoyed at night. The equipment
alone was $400.
Attached is a picture of Mr. Pajari’s sculpture. We want to acknowledge Lowell’s
time and donation to the city and the Rotary Gateway Park. We are especially
grateful since we learned that the cost of the sculpture is much more than the
$2000 honorarium provided by the Prior Lake Rotary.
Mr. Pajari will be present at the council meeting on Monday evening to be
recognized by the city council for his donation and artistic endeavors on behalf of
the Prior Lake Community.