Issue link: http://townofcary.uberflip.com/i/320439
Chapter 4 ! Community Outreach 18 mapping projections on the arts facilities, art themes at museums and libraries that reflect the use of the building , and public art at community centers that reflect their cultural diversity. • In parks and greenways the m ajority of participants preferred that public art be located at trailheads, along paths and trails, in playgrounds, in scenic area s , and integrated in park infrastructure. The only reservation among some participants was that art might not be suitable for some natural scenic areas. This category elicited numerous suggestions for public art types and additional venues, including : a scavenger hunt along trails ; gardens in art form ; art within niche gardens park ; "Zen - like", serene and powerful art for scenic areas ; fun and whimsical art in playgrounds ; interactive art around park and greenway entrances ; and low - intensity lighting for park infrastructure. • Participants suggested using historical themes for public art , such as Cary's history of tobacco and dairy farm ing . • In the Town Center, participants discussed building on existing and planned cultural uses such as the pending town theater. Other suggested themes included family - and children - oriented art, interactive art, and the "spirit" of the local commun ity. Large art projects could draw people downtown on weekends, serving as an economic catalyst. Art could be temporary and/or change with the seasons. A small pocket park would be ideal in the downtown are a to provide a shady respite in the warmer months . This could be designed as a public art project. Other suggestions included the commemoration of local veterans through public art; cell tower s designed as tall sculpture, interactive walks and walkways; history in the sidewalks; creative park benches an d places to sit; and public art along Chatham Road near the shopping mall to reflect that area's international population. • In the downtown and surrounding shopping centers , most participants supported public art in courtyards and streetscapes, on buildin gs and on landmark sites. There was little or no support for using art as signage, as this might be distracting. While participants favored breaking up the sight of parking lots, some of the suggestions involved trees and vegetation, which are elements o f site improvements rather than of public art. • Some participants felt that residents were removed and "disconnected" from downtown public art because they did not frequently travel there. Public art might therefore be located at the Green Hope High Sch ool, near the tennis courts, or near the Dillon/Tryon Road intersection to "pull you into that area." In addition to the public workshops, forums and focus groups, the Cultural Arts Division staff and the P ublic A rt M aster P lan c onsultant met with local officials and staff of the Town departments involved in either the policy, funding, construction or approval of public art projects. Interviews were held with the Cary Engineering staff, Planning staff ; Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts staff ; the Downtown Development Manager ; the Town Manager ; the Assistant Town Manager ; and the Public Art Adv isory Board. The interviews were informative and provided useful recommendations on the planning and policy process, which are reflected in this master plan.