The Snohomish County Arts Commission is seeking concepts from qualified artists to design, fabricate and install a site-specific artwork for Miner’s Corner County Park near Bothell.

The 13-acre site, located at the corner of 228th Street S.E. and 45th Ave. S.E., is being designed and developed as the county’s first universally accessible park, providing users of all ages and abilities a passive recreation and nature appreciation experience.

“This facility will go beyond the requirements of the American Disabilities Act (ADA) and is planned to be accessible for a large cross section of potential park users,” said Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon. “We want artwork for the park that will enhance this overall experience.”

Design work for this park has provided special focus on ADA accessibility as well as opportunities for incorporation of sensory experiences. An ADA advisory group was formed to provide specific feedback to increase the usability of the park by special-needs individuals and the general public.

The art project at the park is part of Snohomish County’s one-percent-for-the-arts program, which requires a one-percent contribution to the county’s arts fund as part of county construction projects – excluding roads – that cost at least $100,000.

Three sites at the park have been identified as suitable for art, so multiple art pieces tying the site together may be better than a more significant single piece. The arts commission will consider concepts for one or all three sites. Pieces can be freestanding sculptures or an artistic feature. Only submissions integrating ADA design guidelines will be considered.

The competition is open to professional artists. Up to three artists will be selected to further develop their preliminary conceptual proposal and to interview with the selection panel. Finalists will be paid a $500 honorarium for their proposals and interview.

A five-member panel – composed of representatives from the Snohomish County Arts Commission, Snohomish County Parks Department, and a local artist or art professional – will review applicants’ digital images and materials before eventually selecting one artist to be commissioned for the project.

All media suitable for outdoor art shall be considered, but the artwork must be durable, vandal resistant and pose no safety threats.

The deadline for entries is April 1. For more information on how to submit proposals, contact Wendy Becker at 425-388-3186 or wendy.becker@snoco.org.