Petoskey arts commission approves waterfront site for new sculpture bench

The Petoskey Public Arts Commission voted to place a new sculpture bench on the waterfront across from the waterfall on the north (water) side, with final placement to be determined by staff working with a small group of commissioners.

Commissioner Boyer moved that the commission "install [the bench] across from the waterfall on the north side/water side between the maple tree and birch tree on the knoll, facing the water," and a colleague seconded the motion. After discussion about sightlines, accessibility and a short meandering approach path, the motion passed by roll call with the commissioners voting in favor.

Commissioners debated trade-offs between photographic framing and accessibility. One commissioner noted that if the bench sits nearer the sidewalk it may "undermine the sort of aesthetic experience" for visitors, while others stressed the need for an accessible route. "We're gonna have to provide a pathway to wherever this bench is going to be," one commissioner said, emphasizing compliance with accessibility goals.

The commission discussed technical details for the installation: the bench will sit on a cement pad (staff noted a 6-by-12 pad is typical), and the group agreed to stake the preferred location on-site soon so staff can finalize exact offsets from the trees and sidewalk. Commissioners also discussed timing: staff indicated installation is likely in late May or early June when concrete pours are scheduled.

The action taken was procedural and site-specific: the commission approved the location in principle and directed staff, with participation from a few commissioners, to finalize and stake the precise placement and the approach path. The decision includes a direction that the bench be mounted on a concrete pad for durability and accessibility.

Next steps: staff will coordinate site staking with the volunteer commissioners who offered to meet on site and will return any required permitting or logistics details to the commission for record.