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BACKGROUND The Friends of Gingerbread Preschool Parent Board (FOG) is a non profit organization that supports the City of Pleasanton's Gingerbread Preschool Program. In 2008, FOG began a donor brick fundraising project to fund an art element which would be incorporated into a planned new play yard for the facility. They raised $9,000 through this fundraiser and have allocated an additional $4,000 toward the project. The Gingerbread Preschool play yard renovation was designed by Landscape Architects Keller Mitchell Co. of Oakland and completed in December, 2008. Keller Mitchell considered the latest research in early childhood development for their design in order to provide a natural setting in which children learn through hands -on experiences. While fundraising efforts were underway, Artist Susan Dannenfelser was selected by FOG to create an educational and interactive tile mural. This would be located on the interior wall of the new water trough element, which contains a sand box and mud pit for play. The mural will also be visible from the driveway into the preschool and to pedestrians strolling in the adjoining park. Ms. Dannenfelser is a ceramic artist experienced in the public art arena. She has created numerous substantial public art pieces. One was recently completed for the courtyard entrance to the Alameda County Juvenile Detention Center. Attached are some sample images of her work and a design concept. For more information, visit the artist's website at www.dannenbeck.com. The mural proposed for Gingerbread Preschool will contain sculptural and textured glazed tiles featuring images such as insects and fish in their natural environments. The children will be able to interact with the tile mural as they enjoy playing in the sand and water. Part of her Pollinator Series, Susan titled this project "Inhabited Waterways On April 5, 2010, the Civic Arts Commission unanimously approved the project and recommended that the City Council accept this gift of public art. On May 13, 2010, it was presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission for their input. The installation of this mosaic wall mural is tentatively planned for late August, 2010. DISCUSSION Submitted by: Susan Andrade -Wax Director of Parks and Community Services Fiscal Review: David P. Culver Director of Finance Attachments 1. Susan Dannenfelser tile sample images 2. Design Concept for "Inhabited Waterways" Page 2 of 2 Nelson Fialho City Manager