Harmony Bridge sculpture concepts span a number of ideas

One of the first opportunities for visitors to realize they’re entering Timnath is at the Harmony Bridge. For about a decade, discussions have continued about how this should be announced.

At the Oct. 28 Town Council meeting, multiple sketches were presented showing concepts developed thus far and cost estimates from DaVinci Signs. For example, an illuminated abstract of stacked hay bales would cost $35,000-$40,000 for the sculpture only — not including electricity.

Council members discussed the illustrations at length. Mayor Jill Grossman-Belisle said the hay bales appeared far too contemporary to her and didn’t adequately portray Timnath’s rural connection.

Councilman Bill Neal liked the idea of an arch but wants the town name on its front as well as on the west-facing side. He also said “Your Destination Community” should appear on one side and “Town of Timnath” on the other.

The mayor addressed the arch idea by saying it should incorporate a wooden piece with Timnath’s logo and perhaps lights angling toward the center.

Councilman Paul Steinway said he wants the logo clearly visible to traffic. Otherwise cars would “simply whiz by” and miss the town’s name.

Councilman Bryan Voronin set aside any attempt at diplomacy about the concepts presented when he commented, “I don’t like any of them.” He wants a more pronounced entry that calls attention to the town’s name.

Timnath Town Planner Matt Blakely reminded everyone that elements from the various marker concepts can be combined to create the bridge feature.

In 2011, he and staff members drew up concepts for the prominent entry feature. These displayed local flavor and history, the Cache la Poudre River and other relevant subjects. One early idea was for a 70-foot tall monolith.

The arch ideas mirror similar structures around town and at Costco. There is presently no concept to span the entire bridge.

Timnath resident Diane Fisher was on the 2005 Streets and Design Committee. Although she didn’t attend the Oct. 28 council meeting, Fisher did view the concepts on the town’s website.

“I think anything with a logo on it is boring,” she told the Timnath News.

Fisher would prefer a sculpture that ties in with history, nature, local amenities such as the adjacent Poudre River, or agriculture. She said any sculpture simply going for town branding doesn’t appeal to her.

One suggestion she offered to depict local agri-history is Timnath’s famous beet puller. The horse-drawn farm implement was patented in 1911 by Squire Ralph Giddings, she said. The resulting 2,500 beet pullers were manufactured right in Timnath. Examples of them, as well as to-scale models, can still be found in town.

Another historical image Fisher mentioned was the Council Tree. That concept would hark back to the Native American presence and rich heritage in the area.

Until a decision is made, the Town Council will continue working on concept ideas. Anyone wishing to view current sketches can do so online at www.timnath-co.gov. From the Home Page, go to Government, then Agendas/Minutes, then to the Oct. 28 packet.