Readers Respond: Split opinions on Pedestrian Bridge public art medallions
35% of reader respondents love the art, but 35% are frustrated with the use of city funds.
SHERWOOD, Ore. — Efforts are underway to grace Sherwood’s pedestrian bridge with bright medallions designed to add a sense of place. In an unofficial survey, we asked readers to weigh in and let us know your opinions on the proposed art.
Jules Rogers
About 35% of reader respondents said they love it, and that public art makes infrastructure welcoming and honors local history.
However, another 35% of respondents said they are frustrated, because city funds should be prioritized for basic services.
About 15% said adding art is an unnecessary decorative upgrade, and the bridge is fine as it is.
Another 15% were indifferent. They said they were fine with the art, but don't feel strongly either way.
Of the medallion themes, industry was most popular among respondents, garnering 35% of the vote. Agriculture came in at 30%, with timber and indigenous heritage each earning 10% of the vote.
Scott Keith
About 44% of respondents said Sherwood's city budget should focus most on parks, trails, and green spaces. Categories of street paving and road maintenance, as well as direct tax relief and holding the line on municipal spending, came in with 20% of the vote. Safe routes and transportation earned 16% of the vote, and public art and cultural preservation earned zero votes.
Overall, respondents ranked the design of the pedestrian bridge as 3.84 out of 5, from eyesore to landmark. The bridge earned a ranking of 3.69 out of 5 in terms of value to Sherwood, from rarely used to essential connection.
The medallions are intended to reflect Sherwood’s heritage. No cost or date has been set.
We asked readers what they would say if they were advising city council on what public investments in Sherwood should represent or focus on now. Answers have been edited for clarity.
"Please don’t add a bunch a gaudy decorations to the bridge. It already stands out a bit too much. The bridge was a good idea. It is not the center of the universe."
"Don't out our money towards art nor spend on non-essential things. Why are we spending more than is already unnecessary."
"Roads are very important but there should be some budget for art but how about getting local artist to create and donate?"
"Fiscal responsibility. If art was a donation that would be great, but no city money should be appropriated."
"Not on useless pieces of art that honestly won’t even be looked at as people are driving by. Just a waste of taxpayer money."
"Focus on something that would benefit the area, rather than create eyesores that do not blend in with Sherwood."
"Public investments should support development and growth in the near term and job support and community safety in the long term."
"Public park upkeep and expanding trails in the city."
"A pedestrian path to cross the creek along Highway 99. Currently the options are very near to traffic, or a very long way around.I would have prioritized it before the bridge."
"Affordable housing."
"Anything to lower property taxes."
"More traffic lights. The problem with the art on the bridge is that not everybody will see the same thing."
"As a parent with children at Archer Glen I have concerns about the safety of the students and crossing guards when crossing Sunset in front of Archer Glen as well as crossing at the Sunset/Main street intersection. I believe more action should be taken to improve the safety at these two locations."
"Further economic development to encourage more out of town visitors."
"Safety."
"Saving trees, adding green space, and trails."
"Creating a city where the residents are proud to live and making it a desirable destination for tourists and those passing through."
