Jurustic Park Relocation Team Shares Update

MARSHFIELD, WI (OnFocus) – The City is taking steps to ensure Jurustic Park has a future in Marshfield when creators Clyde and Nancy Wynia are ready to pass it on. The whimsical tourist attraction is a beloved part of the community, currently located on Sugar Bush Lane north of town.

The Jurustic Park Relocation Team (JPRT) requested proposals (RFP) for architecture and design services to create a sculpture garden at Wildwood Park on behalf of the City of Marshfield. The JPRT sent the RFP to several firms, but only received one proposal in return.

The firms who did not submit a proposal, said they do not have room in their schedule for the project. The JPRT reviewed the proposal from O2 Design, which has done work on other high-profile projects including the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. The committee is satisfied with the proposal and feel comfortable moving forward with the company.

Originally, Nelson-Jameson committed up to $15,000 for the payment for these services. The O2 Design proposal has a cost of $20,000, plus reimbursable expenses.

Nelson-Jameson agreed to increase their contribution to $25,000. This entire project is
financially supported by private donors with the Kohler Foundation* and Nelson-Jameson
as the primary financial supporters.

The Parks, Recreation and Forestry Committee sends forth their approval and positive
recommendation to the City’s Finance, Budget, and Personnel Committee.

*April 19 Update: Editor’s Note: In an April 1 memo to the Finance, Budget, and Personnel Committee, Parks Director Justin Casperson stated that: “This entire project is financially supported by private donors with the Kohler Foundation and Nelson-Jameson as the primary financial supporters.” It was also discussed at the Parks & Recreation Committee on April 12.

Casperson sent this update to OnFocus on April 19:

“It was brought to my attention that Kohler Foundation does not get involved with a project until the artist is ready transition the pieces, which is contrary to my memo.  They are interested and willing to work with the group trying to move the pieces, but have not committed to the project.  Kohler works with the artists directly, and when or if Clyde and Nancy decide to retire from their work, Kohler may decide to get involved. Representatives from the Foundation were not please that the article stated they were involved and financially supporting it.  I understand that information was taken from my memo. The information in my memo regarding Kohler was too preemptive.”

OnFocus wishes to update the piece (based on this corrected information from Casperson) to reflect that Kohler is not involved yet.

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