The planners and developers of the Vollis Simpson Whiligig Park took major steps forward this week as they came together and, frankly, got a lot of work done.
Four themed concepts were unveiled -- fuselage, stacking, flag and windwheels. In addition, close to 20 people from the community offered their input and ideas for the park, planned on Goldsboro Street near the corner of South Street.
We're impressed by the availability of substantive facts and figures regarding this project. It's a fact of life some folks will sit on the sidelines and lob criticisms at those with a vision for greater things. But so far the information and financial figures on this process have been pretty transparent in our opinion.
In fact, planners have been open from the start. When they didn't have a lot of information, they said as much. When documents were drafted, they emerged at public meetings. This project is, at heart, a public-private undertaking.
Some folks will debate the price tag. The project is estimated to cost $3 million and is expected to be paid for through donations, grants and city in-kind services, according to the project budget. The acquisition and conservation of the whirligigs will cost $1.8 million.
This is a massive project with major fundraising hurdles. They'll need the support of residents, businesses and governments alike to pull this off. That's why the transparency here is so commendable and important as major fundraising efforts begin. We do believe emphasis should be put on raising money from businesses and residents, which will deflect potential criticism from organizers. Officials are also wisely focusing on grant requests.
These structures have received international acclaim and widespread press coverage. The folks who are helming this project are looking to preserve this work for future generations to enjoy. We do fear for the preservation of Simpson's very recognizable works into the future. It would be sad to see them rust away years from now on his farm in Lucama.
This project ensures folks will be able to view his work for decades to come. At the same time it enhances downtown and adds flavor and flare to our region. There will be critics along the way. That's life and that's art.
* Article appeared Saturday, July 24, 2010 in Wilson Times ediorial section. Jon Jimison is the current editor of The Wilson Times located at 2001 Downing Street Wilson, North Carolina 27893 (252) 243-5151
* Photo Credit: Wilson Whirligig Festival website
2 comments:
WHY ARE WE HAVING TO GO ALONG WITH PAYING FOR SOMETHING ELSE WE THE CITIZENS HAVE HAD NO SAY IN AND DIDN'T ASK FOR? HECK WE STILL HAVE GREENLIGHT AND THE UTILITIES ISSUES YOU PEOPLE GOT US INTO.CITY COUNCIL NEEDS AN OVERHAUL.
I really don't want to see Wilson known as the capital of Whirligig World. So called art to some is a clunkered piece of junk to others and citizens should have a say as to the makeup of what its city looks like.
Post a Comment