Parks board approves letter of support after Peace Park troll destroyed by fire

The Austin Parks and Recreation Board on June 22 voted unanimously to send a letter of support to Peace Park Conservancy after the public sculpture commonly called the Peace Park troll was destroyed in an early‑morning fire on May 21.

Nicole Netherton, chief executive officer of Peace Park Conservancy, told the board the 18‑foot work — variously called Mallon/Mullins/Mullen in the record — was built with volunteers and philanthropic funding and was completed and celebrated in March 2024. "Mullen had been totally consumed by a fire that was reported to 911 around 05:30AM," Netherton said, and the Conservancy has not yet received an arson report from investigators.

The Conservancy described the sculpture as largely made from repurposed materials, with an internal skeleton of eastern red cedar and exterior cladding made from reclaimed Douglas fir and other found materials. Netherton said the piece was fully philanthropically funded and insured; the organization is in discussion with insurers, donors and the artist about next steps.

Board members and attendees offered condolences and described the artwork as a neighborhood draw. One board member said that although they had been skeptical early on, watching families and children interact with the work changed their view and called the loss "infuriating." The board read a drafted letter recognizing the Conservancy’s stewardship and the role the sculpture played in the park; the motion to approve passed unanimously.

Netherton invited board members and the public to a community remembrance scheduled for Wednesday, June 24, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. She told the board the Conservancy hopes for a process of community healing and that many in the community want to replace the sculpture if feasible. The Conservancy said it will disclose decisions about replacement only after talks with insurers, donors and the artist are concluded.