Residents not inspired by dolphin statue

June Casagrande

Centennial celebration organizers have dropped their plan to install

a commemorative dolphin statue at Inspiration Point after neighbors

complained that the statue would obstruct views of the ocean.

Peggy Fort, executive director of the Centennial Event Committee,

explained that the change of plans was prompted by the outcry of

residents at a community meeting on Monday.

“We heard them,” Fort said. “It’s always been our goal to bring

the community together to celebrate the centennial, so we’re going to

look for alternative sites.”

The Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission was scheduled to

consider the matter on Tuesday. Now, Fort said, committee members

will make a statement at the meeting to retract the request and to

solicit public input on finding another location.

Marie Knight, the city’s Recreation and Senior Services Director,

said that the matter is expected to stay on the commission’s agenda.

Though the Centennial Committee is withdrawing its request, the

scheduled public discussion will benefit residents, Knight said.

“In the spirit of open public interaction, I think the meeting

will still be the best forum for them to discuss this,” Knight said.

The statue, which is also a time capsule, is being designed by

artist Wyland. Planners had hoped it would be installed in time for

the village’s centennial festivities, which take place Oct. 14 to 17.

The centennial could include a beach expo, an outdoor concert and a

black-tie kickoff. The dolphin statue will also be a time capsule,

containing items to be decided by the community. Commemorative

benches and plaques are also being considered.

The change of the statue’s location likely means that it won’t be

finished in time for the centennial events because fundraising and

design of the statue are now delayed. But Fort said that the statue

could still be installed later this year or even in early 2005. Fort

would not name other potential locations for the statue, saying that

the matter should be decided by community input.

Bruce Colbert, one of about 50 residents who attended Monday’s

meeting, said he’s pleased with the announcement.

“I think it’s good that the committee is listening to the concerns

of residents,” said Colbert, an Iris Avenue resident who opposed

installing the statue at Inspiration Point. “The idea of a monument

is great, could make a nice addition to the community. But I think it

will be better in a different location.”