Sponsor: Parks & Recreation
Title
title
Resolution to Support Proposed Art Project Application
end
Recommendation
recommendation
1. Affirm support for the proposed public art project at Keller Regional Park submitted to Minnesota Department of Transportation Art for the Trunk Highway Program.
2. Authorize the Chief Clerk to execute the Minnesota Department of Transportation supporting resolution.
3. Authorize the Ramsey County Manager to enter into agreements and execute amendments to agreements in accordance with the county’s procurement policies and procedures, provided the amounts are within the limits of the grant funding.
end
Background and Rationale
body
The Parks and Recreation department (Parks) was approached by artists Aleya Berry and Layla Nerayo to paint a mural in Keller Regional Park under Highway 61 along the trail. This location is owned by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and needs local approval to paint the mural, including a resolution from the board to approve the artwork. Further details and a concept design of the artwork are included in the application and the artist’s statement. A trail for Keller Regional Park goes under Highway 61 between Roselawn & County Road B in Maplewood at this location: <https://maps.app.goo.gl/tQGas5XA4sdwec8VA> The mural would be 20 feet tall by 50 feet wide centered on the angled section of pavers north of the trail.
Keller Regional Park is an important park to the local neighborhood and as a regional park, it serves a regional audience. The park has seven park shelters that host many events and gatherings for the community, as well as opportunities for fishing, hiking, and biking. An archery range is located nearby, as well as a brand-new court for Tuj Lub (Hmong top spinning game) set to open in May 2025, and the courts and associated picnic shelter will feature art by local artist Kao Lee. This is the perfect opportunity to expand the reach of art in the park, as a way of welcoming and creating a sense of belonging for underserved communities.
end
County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☒ Prosperity ☒ Opportunity ☐ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
Parks has been using art as a tool for engaging racially and ethnically diverse Ramsey County residents in the parks and creating a sense of welcoming and belonging. Research done by Macalester College has shown Ramsey County’s art engagement to be effective for creating a greater sense of belonging in the parks. Art engagement has been an important tool to bring artists of color and community together to create art pieces in the parks that speak to a diversity of residents. Aleya Berry and Layla Nerayo are Black artists, and this artwork represents the intersection of nature, trauma, and Black hair, in a simple and beautiful form.
Community Participation Level and Impact
As community engagement is required for the MnDOT approval, this project was presented to the Parks Commission on November 13th, 2024, and received very positive feedback. Community will be involved in the painting of the mural.
☒ Inform ☒ Consult ☒ Involve ☒ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
The artists are seeking grants to install the artwork. Should they be unable to secure a grant, the memorial bench donation funds, which are meant to provide improvements to the park such as this, can be used to support the artwork, estimated to cost $1,000.
Last Previous Action
None.
Attachments
1. Application
2. Artist's Statement
3. Supporting Resolution