Berkeley Civic Arts
10/26/2022
12/12/2022
$
$350000
Berkeley, California, United States
All
Zoe Taleporos
Document not uploaded
Located in the southwest corner of Berkeley; Aquatic Park is a long linear 100-acre park between Ashby and University Avenues. The lagoon makes up 67.7 acres of the park; has two water sources—tidal water from San Francisco Bay and fresh water from storm water that drains into the lagoon. The park provides a wide range of recreational opportunities including, walking, biking, picnicking, boating, bird watching and Frisbee golf. Swimming and fishing are not allowed.
Aquatic Park was constructed between 1935 and 1937 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). It was built as part of the Berkeley Waterfront Project along with the construction of the Bayshore Highway and Yacht Harbor. Tide gates were constructed to help keep the water level constant in Aquatic Park Lake. A citywide celebration entitled “Pageant of the Land and Sea” was held on May 7, 1937, to formally dedicate the park for public use.
Aquatic Park Lake was designed to conform to international standards for Model Yacht Racing, and in 1938 both the National and Pacific Coast Regatta for M-class Boats were held at the park.
Through the years, community participation has played a key role in the development of various features at Aquatic Park. Most recently, over 2,000 volunteers organized through Friends of Aquatic Park and Berkeley Partners for Parks participated in creating "Dream Land for Kids"; a fantasy playground designed by Berkeley school children under the guidance of architect Robert Leathers and Associates.
Berkeley Civic Arts seeks to commission a series of permanent sculptural artworks, at various locations along Aquatic Park Trail and/or Bolivar Drive, that inspire movement and exploration throughout Aquatic Park. Aquatic Park Trail is a 2.3-mile pedestrian and bicycle path that loops around the park’s lagoon. Sculptures may be placed in existing park conditions at multiple sites along the pathway.
Bolivar Drive between Addison Street to Dreamland Playground in Aquatic Park is undergoing a renovation in conjunction with the development at 600 Addison Street. Sculptures may be integrated with newly landscaped areas.
The goals for the artwork are:
Please see commission document for full project information, and find the application form link here.