The Town of Huntsville is soliciting input from the public regarding the possibility of placing art in Kent Park.
“Huntsville Council and the Art Placement Working Group is committed to seeking feedback from the community about the possibility of placing art in Kent Park. Please provide suggestions about the best approach to involve artists to submit their artistic ideas for installation and eventual display at Kent Park in the future,” states the Town’s website.
The survey consists of four questions. You can find it here.
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Bob Braan says
Why were all the good Muskoka ideas from residents for the Kent Park redesign totally ignored?
In favour of a barren, hot as Hades moonscape?
Obviously residents are wasting their time giving this council thoughtful feedback.
Solutions to this obvious, very expensive mistake include removing most of the pavers and rocks and putting the topsoil back with sod.
Take out the sticks and plant medium size trees (“20-foot maple or oak delivered for under $1,000”) for at least some immediate shade and review the earlier suggestions of a central fountain and/or fireplace log gazebo.
Claude Doughty says
Following up on the iconic sculpture of Tom Thomson and other works in Huntsville, a sculpture of Captain Hunt along side his log cabin would celebrate our history. More sculptures might foĺow to create a wonderful sculpture garden.
Much larger trees is also a great suggestion!
Lanor Lovegrove says
I agree with Bob Braan. Suggestions of a large gazebo, larger trees, etc., etc. made by many residents were totally ignored, never to be mentioned again by anyone in authority. Now you want input from those same people to help you do something else you like? Why not what we like?
Jenny Cressman says
A covered sitting area would be beneficial and, if carefully designed, could add a charming focal point. Art could be used enhance such a structure, as well as being protected in the shade it would provide. A sculpture garden would be lovely but expensive. Perhaps Claude was thinking of donating one to get that ball rolling. That could work! I think some form of shade should be a priority, however.
Bill Long says
They paved paradise and put up a parking lot. Ring any bells? Where is the forethought and good taste that we hope for in our elected leadership? Some mature trees, like the Pines that were ripped out would be a good place to start.
HAROLYN HUSSAIN says
RIGHT ON BOB BRAAN !!!
Renata Dusk says
Give people a another reason to stay in town to shop by creating some shad from sun and some protection from rain. To be more like Muskoka, have some trees and feature an outdoor gas fire place to run early evenings, Fall and Winter months to create charm and community. Maybe even an Outdoor TV to sit and watch a game with coffee, ice cream or treat in hand.
HAROLYN HUSSAIN says
Never mind the art !!! Put some real trees and some greenery so it doesn’t look like a desert !!!
Kathy Kay says
Honestly I don’t think much is needed, although one sculpture such as Captain Hunt (is he any sort of Canadian icon or just of local significance?) as Claude suggested might be fine. Someone previously suggested those shade sails and I think they’re a great idea: attractive, useful, noninvasive and easily removed in winter. And once the trees give more shade, could be removed. I like the current ambiance. Not cluttered, a restful aesthetic. Keep it simple.
Teri Souter says
I like Claude Doughty’s idea, with some history input: Make the statue of Captain Hunt spin to represent how he is now resting being eulogized on the site of the Kent Hotel where the demon liquor was served. ????
Liz Dahl says
Art is very personal… art to one person can be an eyesore to another….. leave the art at home. This is Muskoka; make it feel like Muskoka instead of a quarry. Large shading trees would be a great start.
Brenda Begg says
I agree. Never mind the art. Forget Tom Thomson; we (I) have ample of him. I don’t think it’s necessary to put art everywhere in town. Tall trees, shelter, a wee fountain or birdbath…
The red umbrellas do look nice. The fabric and colour softens the harshness of all of the stone. Yes, I know, it must be cumbersome putting them up and taking them down.
It appears there is a water bottle refill station downtown?
Gord Laxson says
Consider connecting with the high school art students to have a revolving “stage” upon which the aspiring artists could have their first public exhibition.
While a permanent feature is a “one-of”, this would create something to attract people to see what is new, set an environment for other daring things around town as well. Make Huntsville a place to not only see once but see again and again.
Just a thought
Bonnie Branton says
ART!!
Art – is provided for & enjoyed in many other places in & out of town.
Please address the real issues at ‘Kent (rock) Quarry’.
A place without 1 blade of grass cannot be called a Park.
It’s repeatedly been made very clear by many-
Replace the grass, mature trees & respect the suggestions made regarding Muskoka Timber shelter, appropriate seating that Seniors can get out of, a Water & or Fire feature etc.
Please ………listen.
Nancy Long says
Use architecture as art?! May be log gazebo would be nice. The centre of the park was meant for something to be there. By the way….the survey doesn’t allow for any suggestions except art related. Narrow surveys give narrow results.
John Oliver says
Save the money and purchase some big shade trees instead. It’s better to look and will serve a useful purpose.
Brenda Begg says
To Bonnie Branton: I can so relate to having chairs/seating that everyone can easily get in and out of without assistance. Muskoka chairs look nice, but (for me and some others) they are most difficult to get out of and, are very uncomfortable. I do like the red colours, though.
It’s a challenge to please everyone.
Terry McCaffery says
How about a few mature trees…natural art!!!
Dani Haroer says
It’s a pity that the park is being used by “freedom protesters” to wave signs, distract drivers, and bother residents and visitors spending time downtown. The other day they were equipped with a microphone/loudspeaker to amplify their message. This seems like a poor use of the newly renovated public space.
Brenda Begg says
To Dani Haroer,
Re poor use of public space by ‘Freedom Protestors’ is an understatement. Yes, it’s a public space and they legally, can use it to peacefully demonstrate. But, it’s a small space right downtown with seating and location designed for visitors and locals to sit a spell, relax, eat their lunch/snack and such in a somewhat quiet environment.
Bill MacPherson says
What a stark difference from the warm, grassy, Visitor Centre, Possible Ice Cream shop etc that was there, to this cold concrete and granite landing place. I truly believe that there are plenty of outlets for artists of all levels and that it would be somewhat unecessary to evolve this space into another display place for them. It saddens me to see the immediate utilization of this potentially functional space being immediately pounced upon by this group of invasive protesters. They are legal, but they don’t belong there on a daily basis. Again, someone’s greed , dominance, bully tactics, make it immediately necessary for governance and oversight. Otherwise, all you have done is take away that quaint Muskoka feeling and replace it with a distracting eyesore. It is a far more visible place for musical shows and perhaps it should just be allowed to settle in on it’s own and see how people tend to want to use it. Daily protests -be gone!