Consider Sculptural Carving of Two Dead Oaks at Sunfish Lake Park

The purpose of this case is to receive Commission concurrence on the sculptural carving of two large White Oaks that died at Sunfish Lake Park.  Normally in a natural resourced base park, the best course of action for dead trees is to leave them standing as valuable wildlife habitat. These two trees however (image attached), are in a well traveled portion of the park, and a concern exists for falling limbs during wind events as the tree would begin to decay.

The proposal herein would be to engage a professional chainsaw carver to turn the twin trees into an element of public art, versus 'wasting' the trees by removal.

It is believed that the two trees can be carved into a fun and interesting new element at the park for a few thousand dollars more than the cost of removals. Earlier this year, staff contacted three different tree services for quotes on removals—with two companies not interested in the work, and one firm quoting a little less than $6,000, (not including clean-up and restoration).  At the September regular Park & Recreation Commission meeting, considerable discussion occurred on the detail of the proposed carvings—with the attached pencil sketches reflecting much of that direction as revised drawings.

Funding could be partially from the Parks Operations Budget (at the cost of removals only, $6,000), and the balance (perhaps $2,400) from the Park Trust Fund to create the new park features.

Staff recommends proceeding with issuing an RFP for the sculptural carving of the two large oaks for this Fall or Winter of 2022-23.

Based upon discussion.