This painting by Alyssa Peterson is one of three in the artistâs Geiser-Pollman Park series. Two of the paintings, including this one of the slide at the park, are on loan from Peterson and are displayed at City Hall. The city bought one of the three paintings. (S. John Collins/Baker City Herald)

City buys painting, also looking for ideas for old merry-go-round

By Lisa Britton

For the Baker City Herald

Baker City is seeking someone to give a new life to the merry-go-round that was removed from Geiser-Pollman Park this spring.

The piece, which is more than 50 years old, was part of the equipment replaced in May with new play structures. The merry-go-round was removed intact and saved.

Now the City’s Public Arts Commission is accepting proposals from artists who have an idea on how to preserve the merry-go-round.

Proposals will be accepted through Jan. 31, 2015.

Those submitting proposals are asked to design a project that is unique to Baker City and “be crafted of durable materials that will withstand the elements, as well as be resistant to theft, vandalism and deterioration.”

Other specifications include:

andbull; Must be designed to last for 20 years

andbull; Materials can include fiberglass, cast materials, fabricated metals and recycled plastic or wood products

andbull;Must be three-dimensional

andbull; Must be free from unsafe conditions or factors that could bear upon public liability and the safety of the community

andbull; Must be affixed to a permanent mounting location

The RFP also needs to include the projected cost and details about engineering.

“It really needs to be fully fleshed out,” said Brian Vegter, who is on the Public Arts Commission.

He said no specific space has been designated for this project, although the commission members have been researching possible sites for public art.

“There are so many options,” he said.

After the deadline, the Commission will review the proposals and select four finalists.

See more in Friday’s issue of the Baker City Herald