NAPA, CA — The Napa City Council is set to vote on whether to approve a significant budget increase for a leaf-themed interactive playground and public art installation at Fuller Park. The project, known as “Leaves on a Line,” was initially budgeted at $1.28 million but now requires an additional $1.22 million, bringing the total cost to $2.5 million.
The decision, scheduled for Tuesday, will determine if the city moves forward with a unique, community-driven design that blends public art with a playground. The expanded budget is driven by several factors, including unexpected soil conditions at the site, which require deeper foundations and more extensive excavation. Additionally, enhancements such as shade structures and inclusive play features, requested by local residents, have increased the project’s scope.
Designed by industrial artist Daniel Wodarcyk, the “Leaves on a Line” installation will feature large, leaf-like structures with an overhead rope and tension system that encourages social interaction and physical movement. The project will also include ground-level play equipment such as slides, swings, hammocks, a spinner, and musical elements, all of which have been vetted for accessibility.
City staff have defended the budget increase, explaining that the added costs will ensure the project’s structural integrity, long-term durability, and inclusivity. “The project’s enhancements will not only create an engaging public art installation but will also provide accessible and diverse play opportunities for all,” a staff report states.
While the project’s supporters view it as a bold addition to Napa’s public art landscape, not everyone is on board with the proposed budget. Critics, including local developers and artists, argue that using public art funds for an interactive playground designed by an industrial designer instead of a traditional artist is inappropriate. Some opponents fear that approving such a project could set a concerning precedent for how public art funding is allocated in the future.
The $2.5 million project will be financed through a combination of public funds, including $500,000 from the public art fund, $250,000 from the general fund, $350,000 from the playground replacement fund, and $178,000 from a Proposition 68 state grant.
According to a staff presentation, the budget will be allocated as follows: 40% for construction costs, 23% for playground equipment and shade structures, 20% for the playable art component, 15% for surfacing, and 2% for the artist’s fee.
The project will replace the aging playground at Fuller Park, with the aim of creating a more dynamic and inclusive play space that blends art and recreation. However, as the council prepares to vote, the debate over how public art funds should be used is likely to continue, with both supporters and detractors weighing in on this unprecedented project.
The council’s decision could have lasting implications for the future of public art funding in Napa. If approved, “Leaves on a Line” will become Napa’s most expensive public art installation, surpassing the $375,000 “Circulation” sculpture located at the Highway 29 roundabouts.
The vote is expected to take place Tuesday, with city officials hopeful that the project will move forward and provide an exciting, new space for both art enthusiasts and families alike.