Kelowna

Photo: Contributed - City of Kelowna

The Zephyr sculpture could soon be moving to City Park

A controversial piece of art at the east end of the William R. Bennett Bridge could soon be getting a new home.

It is being recommended that Zephyr, the 8 metre high, 10 metre long polished steel artwork which represents the auspicious breezes from Okanagan, be moved to City Park.

It, along with a second sculpture, Renaissance of a Tree, would be relocated to become part of the design of the new washroom building and concession plaza.

The new facilities are being constructed after fire destroyed City Park Pavilion in March of 2011.

Architecture Planner Kristine Bouw says the redesign will create a new public plaza.

Construction is expected to begin in the fall.

Bouw says the Zephyr piece is difficult to see in its current location and the scale is not appropriate as a gateway statement into the city.

She says relocating the piece to City Park will achieve a number of objectives, including:

• The piece will create an attractive focal point along the City Park promenade and gateway into the new plaza
• The new location creates a stronger connection with the lake
• The height of the sculpture will be lowered to allow pedestrians to appreciate the craftsmanship of the piece
• The new location could also serve as a landmark and wayfinding marker in the park for community events and activities

Photo: Trevor Rockliffe

Liam 'Renaissance Man'

"The existing Zephyr site has the infrastructure (irrigation, electrical connections etc.) suitable for a potential future gateway feature or entrance signage for the city," says Bouw.

Renaissance of a Tree was carved in 1999 by Peter Ryan from the remains of a Cottonwood tree damaged and felled during the windstorm of 1997.

"Its new location will act as a gateway to the plaza near the roundabout and drop-off area and will frame the edge of the concession plaza."

City Council will look at the proposal when it meets Monday afternoon.

The $15,000 cost to relocate the sculptures will be funded from the existing 2012 Public Art Allocation.