On April 28, the Salida Public Art Commission met for their regular meeting where they discussed a presentation given to the Salida City Council regarding setting aside the former Salida Skatepark at First and G Streets for an upcoming art space. Council has given permission to the commission to move forward with the project, with a working title described as “The Spirit of Salida” project that “will be beautiful and durable.”
This means this piece of land will go to the commission for the purpose of creating new art for the community. For the past several months, when describing the scope of the project, the commission has communicated five intentions. They hope the project will be a landmark for Salida, describing it as iconic and “instagramable” — but more than just a welcome sign. The project intent will be visually inviting through its connection with the surrounding vista.
The commission says that it plans to use the space as a collection of visually interesting and interactive elements for all ages. They expect it to have year-round access by celebrating all seasons through a unique layout. Last, they say they hope to preserve local heritage through historic and cultural references which signify the past and inform the modern “explorer”.
Ultimately, say commission members, they hope to create a space that honors the diversity that is the spirit of Salida. The commission is currently looking at high-level concept designers for the designated area and plan to take the next steps within the coming weeks.
Featured image: The site of the proposed Spirit of Salida project is the small, in-town skate park, that is in the process of being replaced by the large and ambitious skate park now being built on the lawns of the Salida Aquatic Center. Image by Brooke Gilmore.
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