The Ridgefield City Council has provided design direction to city staff for a roundabout art installation as part of the ongoing Pioneer Street widening project.
The decision, made during a Thursday, March 27 meeting, establishes the artistic and landscaping elements for the Pioneer Street and 56th Place intersection roundabout. The intersection is south of where the city’s YMCA will be built, expected in late 2026.
Public Works Director Chuck Green provided further details on the differences between the two options. Option No. 1 features a single, vertical metal sculpture resembling a tree, with a sandhill crane and cutout holes representing native birds. Option No. 2, in contrast, consists of three shorter, similar structures arranged in a cluster. Green noted that Option No. 2 would cost more due to the additional materials required.
Councilor Lee Wells suggested that the council reconsider the roundabout design, as he and other council members felt neither option was ideal. However, City Manager Steve Stuart informed the council that delaying the decision could disrupt the timeline for the roundabout’s development.
Councilor Judy Chipman hesitated about rejecting the roundabout committee’s recommendations, emphasizing their expertise. Mayor Matt Cole noted his trust in Heather Gordon, a longtime member of the Ridgefield Garden Club and a Roundabout Committee member, regarding shrubbery choices.
“I trust the committee’s recommendation on either one of these, that it’s gonna look good, that they’ve considered those things,” Mayor Matt Cole added.
After further discussion, the council voted in favor of Option No. 1, with modifications to enhance its appearance and ensure driver safety. Councilor Katie Favela highlighted that Option No. 1’s lack of shrubbery, compared to Option No. 2, was a shortcoming.
“I think it’s more cost-effective, but I also would like to see more shrubs because it’s giving very plain in the middle,” Councilor Katie Favela said.
Council members expressed concerns about potential visibility issues with Option No. 2, which featured taller metal structures that could create sun glare or obstruct sightlines.
“I’m fixated in my head that it is going to be an issue with the sun setting and sun rising… the sunlight is gonna shine through and blind me when I’m driving,” Favela said. “I would like to err on the side of caution.”
Green explained that the structure will have a matte finish and will not be reflective.
Councilor Rian Davis highlighted the need for the design to feel substantial while maintaining driver visibility.
“I like elements of both of them,” Davis said. “If we’re gonna go with Option No. 1, you gotta fill that [garden] out.”
The final motion passed unanimously and approved Option No. 1 with adjustments, including eliminating the lowest bird cutout, raising the pedestal height, and increasing the amount of shrubbery to create a fuller appearance.
Before construction, city staff will return with a final rendering and planting plan to ensure the updated design aligns with council expectations.
Following this action, the roundabout committee will review and make design recommendations for a roundabout on South Royle Road and South 15th Street/ Wells Drive.
“[It’s] good because we’re running out of roundabouts to look at,” Green said.
“We can fix that,” Mayor Cole laughed.
