HomeMy WebLinkAbout121025-06.1 PARKS, RECREATION AND ARTS COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT 6.1
December 10, 2025 TO: Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission
SUBJECT: Consider approval of Book Bench Design
BACKGROUND
The Danville Parks, Recreation & Arts Strategic Plan Update (Plan) was adopted by the
Town in 2017, establishing a long-range vision and course of action for creating and
sustaining a high-quality, interconnected system of parks, recreation, and arts facilities,
services, and programs. The Plan includes several strategic recommendations for
integrating public art into parks and facilities. Commissioning artworks that interpret
local history or events was identified as a priority recommendation for the Arts Advisory
Board (AAB) and the Parks, Recreation, and Arts Commission (Commission).
At the conclusion of the Bound for Books public art exhibit in 2023, the Town had the
opportunity to acquire one of the fiberglass book benches. In the Summer of 2025, the
Town partnered with the Danville Library to host a book challenge that would inspire
the next design for the book bench. Choosing from eight books, members of the public
were asked to vote on their favorite book.
The winner was the classic children’s book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. In September of
2025, a call for artists was published, and the Town’s Curatorial Committee reviewed
completed designs.
DISCUSSION
The Curatorial Committee ultimately chose the design submitted by Kristen Chase.
Kristen previously painted a bench for the Bound for Books exhibit. Below are
renderings of the proposed design.
The Arts Advisory Board approved the design at the November 12, 2025 Arts Advisory Board
meeting. The Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission is being asked to review the proposed
design, discuss, and give final approval of the selected design.
FISCAL IMPACT
Sufficient funds have been appropriated in the Town's Capital Improvement Program,
Project B514, Public Places for Art, to cover the cost of the artwork and installation.
RECOMMENDATION
Consider approval of the Book Bench Design.
Reviewed by:
Stacey Kenison
Program Supervisor, Cultural Arts and Marketing
Prepared by:
Jessica Wallner
Recreation, Arts and Community Services Diretor