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2. Community Spirit MonumentCity of Kalispell Post OffiQe Box 1997 - Kalispell, Montana 59903-1997 -Telphone (406) 7-58-7€ 00 Fax - (406) 758-7758 REPORT TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council FROM: Michael Baker, Director Parks and Recreation SUBJECT: Community Spirit Monument MEETING DATE: August 1, 2005 BACKGROUND: The City of Kalispell and in particular Parks and Recreation has been approached by Kay Lynn and Karin Hilding on behalf of several groups and entities including the group Joining Hands Against Hate with a request to place a Community Spirit Monument in Woodland Park. Attached please find an outline of this request prepared by Kay Lynn and Karin Hilding for council review and comment. FISCAL EFFECTS: All materials, supplies and labor donated. RECOMMENDATION: Council review and comment Respectfully submitted, Michael Baker, Director James H. Patrick, City Manager Parks and Recreation The Community Spirit Monument Prepared by Kay Lynn and Karin Hilding July 20, 2005 HISTORY The Community Spirit Monument is proposed to stand as a testimonial to the vast majority of Flathead Valley citizens that believe in the concept of "community" and the values which make democratic governance in our community possible; respect, freedom., diversity and safety. It was begun as a response to the divisiveness that threatened our ability to resolve important community issues in an atmosphere of mutual respect. Around 2000, when growing threats and intimidation inflamed public discourse, fear grew in our valley. A local radio station stirred people to act out in anger and attacked the integrity of many public servants. The motives of concerned citizens who worked for harmony and tolerance were derided. Anyone whose views differed from those of the station owner were possible targets for public insult on the air. The insults sometimes included implied and veiled threats. The alarmed citizenry responded with a petition, signed by hundreds, aimed at preserving open discourse in the valley. Mayor Pam Kennedy of Kalispell and Mayor Andy Feury of Whitefish proclaimed July 13, 2002 as "NOT IN OUR TOWN DAY". The day was proclaimed to recognize the need to oppose the manifestation of hatred against individuals or groups. A group, that called itself JOINING HANDS AGAINST HATE, formed at that time to promote peaceful and informed discourse. The situation suddenly became more serious when several Flathead Valley residents were arrested after local law enforcement officers uncovered weapons and a plan to use armed violence against several government workers, including judges. After September 11, 2001, the need for us all to unite against such types of hatred and intolerance became even more apparent. SOCIAL REMEDY Kay Lynn, a local sculptor, was engaged to create a public sculpture which would embody the public's need to stand solidly against violence and divisiveness in the Flathead and would express an appreciation for the extraordinary qualities of experience and character which reside in our diverse citizenry. Kay Lynn has an extensive background in the public teaching of art and chose to design a simple structure, just four large pillars and a roof. This form represents the community itself and the shelter that community gives. The valley's residents were asked to directly contribute to the creating of the monument through making clay tiles. These clay tiles will cover the four pillars of the monument. People were asked to create tiles that reflect their positive ideas about our community life, their hopes, values, what they loved about their lives, what was worth fighting to preserve against the threats which hatred brings. Eventually we hope to hold a contest asking residents to name the four pillars of the community (or monument). The Community Spirit Monument will celebrate what we love, not what we hate. It will be something we can point to with pride in the years to come. The hundreds of tiles, which will cover the pillars of the monument, certainly speak to the great diversity in the valley. Over 600 people, from all walks of life, all ages, all income levels, all backgrounds, have contributed so far. The contributing groups include; girl scout troops, Kila elementary school, Kalispell High school art class, Edgerton School, the United Church of Christ, the Pathways program, Gemini program, Cayuse Prairie School, a local Buddhist group, Citizens for a Better Flathead, The Manor, Kalispell Yoga Center, The Glacier Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Kalispell Soroptomists, Kalispell Youth Outreach and Big Brothers and Sisters. In addition, people came with their families on the First Saturday of the month the days that Kay .held for over a year. Individuals that participated in the Joining Hands Against Hate community events include many well known members of our community such as; Mayor Pam Kennedy, Police Chief Bill Dial, Police Chief Frank Garner, and Commissioner Gary Hall, PUBLIC USE Besides standing as an enduring symbol of community unity, the monument should serve as a focus of activity that will promote communication and celebration of social values. Possibilities of its use include; a place for public music, poetry or children's book readings, puppet shows, family reunions or gatherings, and a venue for speeches or debates. The choice of the Woodland Park setting is appropriate for peaceful gathering and reflection. Landscape Architect Bruce Boody has designed a lovely natural surrounding using both grass and water to implement a sense of repose to the site. We met with Bruce and the architect Oystein Boveng on site to develop a design that would .fit well into this unique area within Woodland Park. CONSTRUCTION The plan is to gather contributions from various community groups and construction professionals to help construct the Monument. It is estimated that construction will take one to two months. Mortaring and grouting of tiles will be to high standards, with consideration for our severe weather. The grout that will be used is epoxy based so that no maintenance should be required. It is completely waterproof.