By Carol McCracken  (Post # 550)

A Request for Proposal (RFP) has been issued  by the Portland Public Arts Committee (PPAC) to national artists for public seating along the new Bayside Trail.  Artists will have until 3:00 pm.,  TUESDAY, AUGUST 31st, (as incorrectly reported on the city’s website, previously)  to submit a sealed proposal to the Purchasing Office at City Hall, Room 103.   The proposals will be publicly opened at that time. 

The PPAC expects that the design of the public seating will reference the natural and built landscape of the Trail.  “We anticipate that high-quality, appealing, durable, public seating will enhance the trail experience,”  stated Jack Soley, Chair of the PPAC.  “One of the goals of the project is to ensure that the benches reflect the diversity and rich cultural history of Portland’s communities.”

The Portland Public Art Committee’s Commissional Panel  will review the materials submitted by interested artists/designers and forward the recommendation to the PPAC.  The PPAC will review the recommendations and forward its recommendations to the Portland City Council for final approval.   Designs  meeting the basic selection criteria outlined in the RFP will be on public display at the Portland Library later this fall.

Artists interested in pursuing this commission may find out more about the proposal by going to www.jrl@portlandmaine.gov.  This is where the packet of information can be ordered.   Karen Marsten, said that this information was released to the public back in July.  Already about 60 people have requested required information packets from the city, but not all of them will participate, said Marsten earlier today.  

The public is invited to attend the Bayside Trail Ribbon Cutting on Thursday, August  19th,  4-6  pm.  Mayor Nicholas M. Mavodones will be joined by US Congresswoman Chellie Pingree and other leaders in the community that  helped bring a vision for the area to life.

The trail is the result of a ten year effort to re-imagine the area, stimulate economic development and build a welcoming and safe neighborhood for residents and local businesses.  The one mile trail has transformed a 13.2 acre corridor that runs parallel to Marginal Way through the Bayside Neighborhood into a ribbon of green that will connect the Eastern Prom with Deering Oaks Park.

The event will be held at the Elm Street Plaza, light refreshments will be served and music will be provided from Chief.