Subject:
Title
Consider approval of the proposed archway design by Maxwell Emcays for the entry to the Spraygrounds at Ralph Sampson Park
Body
Presented By: Chris and Steve Carpenter, donors
Recommendation and Review
The 6,000-square-foot Spraygrounds at Ralph Sampson Park opened July 1, 2025, with 36 spray features and interactive elements designed for various ages. Harrisonburg residents Steve and Chris Carpenter wish to privately fund the design and installation of three public artworks at the Spraygrounds. Upon completion, ownership of the artworks will be conveyed to the City of Harrisonburg. A public meeting was held on November 20, 2025 to introduce the project to community members, generating ideas for the new works of art and preferred locations. The project committee (the Carpenters, with representatives from the City, Arts Council of the Valley, and the Northeast Neighborhood) used feedback from the meeting to select the three locations and develop content themes. The Arts Council issued a call for artists. The donors seek City Council permission to proceed with hiring artist Maxwell Emcays to produce his submitted archway design for the entry to the Spraygrounds.