Public Art Coming to Clymer Park

Once completed, the project will include 8-foot-wide multi-use walkways that will connect the Pinellas Trail to Downtown Gulfport.

It'll provide walkers, joggers and bikers with a scenic route including benches for breaks and public art in Clymer Park. The $100,000 project includes spending at least $25,000 or more on public art installations.

The Clymer Park Art Walk Phase I is included in the 2012/2013 Capital Improvement Budget, (which uses funds from the City's Penny for Pinellas revenues), and could begin within the next two months depending on how quickly the city selects a bid for the walkways.

City Manager Jim O'Reilly says they will move forward with putting together a bid request for construction of the walkways and a call for artists for public art. There is no immediate timeline, however, both bids will be published and released on the City of Gulfport's website.

The project garnered full support at the Gulfport City Council Workshop on Thursday. Councilors even asked if walkway bollards could be painted and if they could increase the current $25,000 allocated for public art.

Here's a look at the current project budget:

800 linear feet of 8 foot wide multi-use walkway:   $40,000
Round low-level walkway bollards (60ft ctrs):          $25,000
Benches and Park Amenities/Up-Lighting Art:         $10,000
Initial Public Art Work Project Phase I:                    $25,000

City Manager Jim O'Reilly says the allocated amount for bollards and public art could change. For example, if they increase public art funds, they may take that out of the proposed $25,000 for the bollards.

The goal of the project is to invest in public art and provide a safe route to the Waterfront District.

Last year Clymer Park received a large, colorful, one-of-a-kind art installation - a new welcome sign created by local artist Tom Pitzen. This latest project will build on the city's dedication to public art.