REPORT TO ARTS COMMISSION?
SUBJECT?
Title?
Review and Recommendation of Public Art for the Community Center Grounds Renovation?
Report
REPORT IN BRIEF?
Subject to Council Policy 6.4.4 (Art in Public Places), the project budget for the Community Center Grounds Renovation (project #830310) includes a 1% provision for public art ($94,173). This report provides information on the five conceptual design proposals for a new public art piece. The Arts Commission will review and rank each of the proposals and their recommendation will be forwarded to City Council on June 2, 2026 for consideration and final approval. There is no staff recommendation for this project.
BACKGROUND?
Originally constructed in 1972, the Sunnyvale Community Center comprises 14 acres of scenic grounds and recreation buildings, including a Creative Arts Center, Performing Arts Center (Sunnyvale Theatre), Indoor Sports Center and Recreation Center. The complex was expanded in 2003 by adding the Senior Center and Bianchi Barn, and again in 2008 with the completion of the Heritage Orchard Park Museum.
The grounds include a quarter-mile walking trail that loops around the lower ponds amongst large lawn areas and trees, including a heritage valley oak tree estimated to be over 200 years old. The grounds also house several large-scale public art works by artists Sal Pecoraro, Dan Dykes, John Battenberg and Gordon Huether.
A renovation of the grounds began fall of 2024 and includes the following upgrades and construction:
* reduction of upper and lower pond sizes
* pathway and site lighting upgrades, including American with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements
* site furnishing upgrades (drinking fountains, benches, and tables)
* new plaza area with shade trees and picnic tables
* reduction of lawn area
* new amphitheater space
* new playground areas with swings
* new restroom and mechanical equipment building
* new game area (cornhole, table tennis, and chess/checker tables)
* ...
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