Item 2D: Nobel Peace Laureate Monument

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ECC UGENE ITY OUNCIL AIS GENDA TEM UMMARY Adoption of Resolution 4886 Endorsing the Nobel Peace Laureate Monument Project in Alton Baker Park Meeting Date: August 14, 2006 Agenda Item Number: 2D Department: Public Works Staff Contact: Carolyn Weiss www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 682-4909 ISSUE STATEMENT As requested by City Council, information is presented herein regarding the potential endorsement of the citizen-sponsored Nobel Peace Laureate Monument in Alton Baker Park. The project is intended to recognize those Americans who have won the Nobel Peace Prize awarded annually by the Nobel Peace Prize Committee in Norway. BACKGROUND In the spring of 2003, Parks and Open Space staff was approached by John Attig with the idea for a Nobel Peace Laureate Monument. Since then, staff has continued to meet with Mr. Attig and other members of the Nobel Peace Laureate Monument Project Executive Committee to identify a suitable location for the monument, and to advise the committee on various process and implementation aspects of the project. A site in Alton Baker Park, at the north end of the DeFazio Bridge and west of the duck pond, was identified as an appropriate and desirable location. The project, as planned, is consistent with the City Council-adopted West Alton Baker Park Plan. See Attachment A, from the Nobel Peace Laureate Project website, for additional project information. At staff's recommendation, a design selection process was undertaken to ensure a properly vetted selection process and design. The Lane Arts Council advertised the design competition through its newsletter in January 2005 and a brochure was developed to further advertise the competition. A Design Selection Committee was coordinated by Arts Project Coordinator Kirsten Jones and a design was selected in June 2005, from 13 proposals received from across the country. The Design Selection Committee, which included Parks and Open Space staff, unanimously chose the design of a local team comprised of Landscape Architect Kate McGee and Presentation Design Group. The design consists of a “peace path” which winds its way through vegetated areas, showcasing vertical plinths which offer information about the 19 Americans who have received the Nobel Peace Prize. The design also allows for expansion for future award recipients. See Attachment B for the selected design. The project has been presented to various local organizations such as the Eugene Parks Foundation and the Citizen Planning Committee for the Whilamut Natural Area of Alton Baker Park. The project has received endorsements from numerous local and national organizations and individuals. The Project Executive Committee is currently working to secure donations from private individuals and granting organizations. If funding is secured for the project, staff will work with the Project Executive L:\CMO\2006 Council Agendas\M060814\S0608142D.doc