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BACKGROUND Nancy and Gary Harrington have graciously donated the life-size bronze sculpture "Special Friends," by the artist Carol Dunford-Jackman, to add to the City's public art collection. Earlier this year, the sculpture was reviewed and approved by the City's Public Art Selection Subcommittee (PASS), the Civic Arts Commission and the City Council. The sculpture is now in the City's possession and is being temporarily stored at the Firehouse Arts Center. Although the sculpture was approved for addition to the City's collection, its location was not determined. DISCUSSION Originally suggested by the Harrington's, the proposed site for the permanent location of "Special Friends" in Civic Park has great appeal due to its high visibility, its `approachability' by pedestrians, and the natural setting which complements the theme of the artwork. If approved, the sculpture will be installed in the existing tree-well along the Civic Park frontage on Main Street, with one foot standing in the gravel paving of the tree-well, and the other foot resting against the existing Hackberry tree. The Harrington's, the City's art conservator, and City staff, all believe that the proposed location and installation details will showcase the artwork and will not affect the health of the tree. At its regular meeting on September 8, 2011, the Parks and Recreation Commission approved the proposed location for "Special Friends" in Civic Park. Members of the Commission generally felt that the location was "appropriate and very good," and one Commissioner remarked that the proposed location was "genius." At its regular meeting on October 3, 2011, the Civic Arts Commission also approved the proposed location in Civic Park. Submitted by: Fiscal Review: ��Yv Approved by:ILkY Susan Andrade-Wax Emily Wagner Nelson Fialho Director of Community Services Director of Finance City Manager Attachments: 1. Site Plan at Civic Park 2. Photograph of"Special Friends" 3. Artist's Biography