Esperanza Park Roundabout Public Art

The Public Arts Commission invites artists to create a sculpture for the entryway roundabout in Esperanza Park, a new 7.5-acre public space in Cathedral City. The park features children's play areas, shaded picnic spaces, fitness equipment, sports fields, basketball courts, a dog park, and connectivity to the regional CV Link multi-modal trail system. The park's opening culminated a community-driven effort to bring a vital recreational space to the Dream Homes neighborhood. The name Esperanza, meaning "hope" in Spanish, reflects the community's vision for this gathering space.

The public art installation will be located in the roundabout at the park's main entrance (30610 San Diego Drive). Community input gathered through bilingual discussions and elementary school coloring sheets identified themes of resilience, transformation, metamorphosis, growth, regeneration, rebirth, safety, and inclusivity for children. Suggested imagery included children with flowers, butterflies with rainbow colors, and butterflies emerging from cocoons. These concepts should serve as inspiration rather than limiting factors.

The project budget is $100,000, which must cover all artist expenses including design, engineering, fabrication, transportation, insurance, materials, and installation. Up to three artists will be selected to develop design proposals and present concepts to the Public Arts Selection Committee. Shortlisted finalists will each receive a $1,000 honorarium. Submissions must include 5-10 work samples demonstrating experience with large-scale public art projects. The selected artist must be a U.S. resident and will execute a City Agreement. Eligibility is national.