A custom art feature at Glass City Metropark–designed to enhance the park and the region’s glass history– is on the horizon.
At the July 27 meeting, the Metroparks Toledo park commissioners approved an agreement with the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo to design and install a piece that highlights the natural features of Glass City park, acknowledges its cultural heritage and cultivates connections between the community and park district.
The park is in downtown Toledo on the east side of the Maumee River off Main Street.
Cost for the project–not expected to exceed $490,000– is anticipated to receive funding through a donation from the Metroparks Toledo Foundation. The art will be constructed north of the cove along the riverwalk trail.
Preliminary plans call for a “Field of Histories” created by Byrony Roberts Studio with hundreds of glass orbs that will have in their centers a laser-engraved image of an object selected by community members in workshops.
The field of glowing orbs will serve as a beacon, visible from across the river, drawing people to the park and allowing them to consider the past, present and future of glass. The park commissioners also approved a contract with Graphite Design to design and install five lighted rain tower features and 10 bronze frog fountains at Glass City park for $140,250. The projects are expected to take more than one year to complete.
~Jane Maiolo
