The Vancouver park board is deferring a decision on a proposed piece of public art at Hastings Park.
“We are just pausing and engaging a little further with the public,” Vancouver park board commissioner John Coupar told Global News after the board’s meeting Monday night.
The art installation called “Home and Away” is a giant set of blue and yellow bleachers with a pair of playground-like slides built into it.
It’s being pitched for Empire Field next to the PNE, with a price tag of $450,000.
The money has already been accounted for in the City of Vancouver’s budget, but opponents say buying art isn’t a good use of public money.
The park board says it will hold off on a decision until after a public consultation.
READ MORE: Proposed art installation at Hastings Park
“I think the board was sort of split on it,” says Coupar. “I think we are all supporters of public art, but I think here, the question was really — was there enough information that went out to the public?”
Coupar says they are not being asked to decide on the piece or its aesthetics. Rather, it is about the public having an understanding of where the art installation will go, the scale of the piece and its location within the park.
Coupar says he personally likes the proposed art.
“I think it is fun and innovative,” he adds.
WATCH: Vancouver city council is being asked to approve a location for a pricey piece of interactive art. Elaine Yong reports.
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