Kenilworth Playground Public Art

Project Summary

The Petaluma Public Art Committee (PPAC) and the Petaluma Parks and Recreation Department are coordinating efforts to reimagine Kenilworth Park.  

When the PPAC learned that Parks was initiating the Kenilworth Revitalization Project to provide a complete renovation of Kenilworth Park, it was clear this was an ideal situation to combine resources. The Kenilworth Playground Public Art Project was born of a desire to invest in Public Art that inspires play, creativity, and interaction.  

The PPAC has performed community outreach to identify what the collective hopes and goals are for the playground and park. A Call for Artists was sent out through a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to work with a designer/ artist to take the public's feedback and imagine a functional playground-artwork. The outcome of the RFQ was a contract awarded to Bay Area artist, Oleg Lobykin, to design a selection of works for the site.  Community outreach and events continue to shape the project. Fill out the form on the right-hand side of the page to sign up for project updates.

HOW PUBLIC ART & PARKS COLLABORATE

The Petaluma Public Art Committee (PPAC) has expressed interest in investing in our local parks and playgrounds. There has also been a desire to collaborate with community partners to elevate projects through shared priorities and goals. The opportunity to join forces with the Petaluma Parks and Recreation Department on The Kenilworth Park Revitalization Project inspired the PPAC to create The Kenilworth Playground Public Art Project to support bringing interactive and play-inspired public art to the park. This holistic approach will incorporate art, play, nature and community input.

The City of Petaluma has partnered with MIG, a Bay Area firm, to lead the design of the Kenilworth Park Revitalization Project. The revitalization project is funded by Measure M and Proposition 68 funds. The PPAC has contracted with artist, Oleg Lobykin to design public art for the site. In support of the shared investment, there have been meetings, surveys, and community outreach. Together, we will create a Kenilworth Park that represents the unique desires and creativity of our community.

CALL FOR ARTISTS

The process for selecting an artist to create the Kenilworth Playground Public Art involved several layers of consideration and outreach. Members of the PPAC identified goals, objectives and inspiration for their vision of what this project could be. Money was allocated for community engagement and collaboration with the Recreation and Parks Department and the park designers, MIG. Staff generated a community engagement survey, which provided valuable input for shaping the project and the qualifications that would be required from the artist/ designer of the project. A request for qualifications (RFQ) was sent out and twenty-four artist/ designers applied. After reviewing and scoring each application based on the priorities and goals for the project, East Palo Alto artist Oleg Lobykin was contracted to design the Kenilworth Playground Public Art.

ART FOR PLAY

The Kenilworth Playground Public Art Project is guided by engagement. The works will reflect shared community voices as interpreted by artist Oleg Lobykin. The art will inspire all visitors to engage not just as viewers, but as creatives, imaginers, climbers and players. Visitors are encouraged to interact and access the works on a level not typically available with Public Art. This art is for play.

ACCOUNTABILITY FOR OUR COMMUNITY

Throughout the process of realizing the Kenilworth Playground Public Art Project, the PPAC and staff have sought to engage community members. They have conducted a survey, hosted opportunities at the Tuesday Farmer’s Market, and continue to have a presence at community events. The voices shared have helped shape and guide the development of the project, the scope and the selection of the artist. The City, the Recreation and Parks Department, park designers MIG and the RMPC have shared in taking a community generated approach to developing park designs, as well. Their approach has included workshops, surveys, mailers and outreach events. There will be more opportunities to share your voice as this shared project continues to develop.