Facilities

Artwork Replacement Updates

Next Steps:

Thank you to all who attended the two community open houses in October and provided input as to the preferred options.

Based on that input, three options will continue to move forward in the selections process. Staff has reached out to representatives of the Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho Nations for their input regarding the designs. Once this input is received, a final selection will be made.

Once the preferred option is ready for installation, a community celebration will be scheduled and the artist(s) invited to attend as well.

Proposals Moving Forward in the Selection Process:

Litman - Tribal Spiritual Connections
Sullivan - Three Winds Force of Nature
Williams - Stand Together

Questions about the project can be directed to Kate Cooke, kcooke@westminsterco.gov

Past Updates:

6/30/25: An international Call for Entry was placed on Cafe for replacement artworks that meet these broad criteria which were developed as part of the neighborhood meetings:

• Three-dimensional totem pole(s) or vertical sculptural artwork(s) to replace the three carved totem-like pole art features that have been removed due to the deterioration of those artworks.   
• Submissions can include a single artwork or up to three artworks. The proposed artworks must be of a scale to fully encompass the area available for installation.
• Submitted artwork(s) will provide an opportunity for the community to learn more about the artistic talents of Indigenous peoples of North America. 
• Indigenous artists are encouraged to respond to the call for entry as a way to promote Indigenous artists of North America.
• The artwork(s) should tell a community story using symbols and nature themes. 
• The artwork(s) must be constructed of durable materials including metal, concrete, and wood. 
• The artwork(s) must have a metal base for installation on the concrete base.
• The artwork(s) must meet engineering standards for wind load and safety.

5/8/25: In February and March of 2025, two community open houses were held with the neighborhood to explore concepts for replacement art. Key attributes for replacement artwork(s) were identified through these open house meetings.

12/19/24: The totem poles have now been removed from Kensington park and are in storage. The City will hold public meetings in early 2025 to guide alternatives to re-establish totems at Kensington Park.

12/12/24: The remaining two totem poles will be removed on Wednesday, Dec. 18. As a reminder, these will be safely stored and the City will hold community focus groups in early 2025 to guide alternatives to re-establish totems at Kensington Park.

12/5/24: To promote safety and prevent damage, the City will carefully take down the remaining two totems. Once the totems are safely down, all three will be carefully stored and the current fencing at the site will be removed to restore full access to the concrete paths in the area. The City will hold community focus group meetings in early 2025 to guide alternatives to re-establish totems at Kensington Park.

10/30/24: Parks, Recreation, and Libraries staff have spent significant time evaluating whether or not the ageing totem poles at Kensington Park should be removed. The neighboring community members have expressed a fondness and connection to the totem poles and their importance to the identity of Kensington. Staff engaged with a national totem pole expert and historian from the Ketchikan Museums and representatives of the Wind River Arapaho Indian Nation and Reservation to get input and understand their perspectives. From those conversations, it was clear that producing new, replacement totems was not a culturally responsible option for the City to pursue.   

Staff then engaged with multiple structural engineers to gather opinions on whether the existing totems could be preserved in their current form. Those conversations yielded different approaches to stabilization. Staff then analyzed the approaches for the most cost-effective approach that ensures safety. As a result, the team has arrived at a suitable approach and are now contracted with a structural engineer for the project. Currently, the project is planned to be completed by summer 2025. As details of construction become available, they will be shared through the Parks, Recreation, and Libraries communication channels. Staff is also working with the aforementioned experts to develop interpretive signage that will provide more information on authentic totem poles, their use and significance to First Nations of North America.

4/8/24: Please be aware that one of the totem poles at Kensington Park has fallen down due to the high winds this past weekend. Staff is concerned about the stability of the remaining two poles and ask that patrons avoid the area that is currently taped off. We are currently looking into solutions for stabilization and reinstallation, and will provide updates as we know more. Thank you for your cooperation and patience.

Park Amenities

• Access to open space (Ketner Lake)
• Multi-use turf field
• Outdoor performance area
• Paved walking path

Classification

Neighborhood park

Size of Park

2.1 acres