Marshfield's Parks, Recreation and Forestry Committee voted Oct. 14 to move forward with a free little art gallery at Wildwood Park and Zoo, while giving two other ideas further study.
The gallery would work like a little free library for small artworks. A donated structure would sit outdoors at the zoo in warmer months and move into the visitor center in bad weather, with local artists, students, youth groups and volunteers helping rotate pieces. No opening date was set, and staff will help with placement and logistics.
A second proposal would turn a frequently painted-over underpass wall near S.J. Miller Park into a designated space for changing artwork. The committee asked staff to develop guidelines and consult city administration and legal counsel before returning with a recommendation, with a possible spring launch discussed but not set.
Members also agreed to keep exploring a vendor proposal to return vending machines to city parks, starting with two machines and possibly expanding to nine. Questions raised included electricity costs, litter, locations and whether other vendors should be able to bid, and staff expect to bring the idea back in November.
The committee also supported holding off on major investment at Wildwood's upper pond until a master plan is done, and heard fundraising goals of about $500,000 for the Columbia Park bandshell and $700,000 for a proposed wolf habitat at Wildwood Zoo. The next meeting is Nov. 11.
