Public Art at Merrick-Moore Park Aquatics Center (Due Dec. 15)
Public Art at Merrick-Moore Park Aquatics Center
Deadline: December 15th, 2025
The City of Durham’s Cultural & Public Art Program is seeking an Artist, Artist Team, or Artist and Fabricator Team with experience in creating site-specific public art installations at the upcoming Merrick-Moore Park Aquatics Center, located at the former Wheels Fun Park site on North Hoover Road in Durham, North Carolina, 27703. This project is part of a broader initiative to revitalize East Durham and Merrick-Moore Park, transforming the area into a vibrant recreational hub.
The selected Artist(s) may be encouraged to propose more than one artistic element as part of a cohesive site-wide vision. Multiple installations, such as a combination of sculptural works, mosaics, fountains, or interactive components, may be proposed throughout the site, provided the total cost remains within the all-inclusive budget. The selected Artist(s) will be under contract from 2026 through 2030.
The goals of this public art installation are to:
enhance the visitor experience: create an engaging and visually striking art installation that complements the aquatic environment and enhances the overall visitor experience.
reflect community identity: incorporate elements that resonate with the diverse communities of East Durham, celebrating local culture, history, and values.
ensure durability and safety: utilize materials and design solutions that are durable, safe, and suitable for a water-rich, high-traffic public space.
The selected Candidate(s) will work to:
engage the community and residents of all of Durham with a focus on East Durham through in-person engagement sessions;
develop community-informed designs for public artwork that visually connects to the site and/or recognizes historical and/or cultural aspects of the site;
aim to beautify areas that are collaboratively identified by the community, City staff, and the artist(s);
Identify and hire 3–5 local emerging or mid-career artists to collaborate on design, fabrication, and community engagement; and
design, fabricate, and install site-specific artwork that is integrated into the site.
Guided by the 2013 Parks and Recreation Master Plan and the 2017 Aquatics Facilities Master Plan, the project responds to long-standing community needs for modern, inclusive, and accessible public spaces. After acquiring the former Wheels Fun Park site in 2020, the City launched an extensive planning and engagement process to reimagine the site as a regional aquatic destination that reflects local values and priorities. In 2024, Durham voters approved $43 million in bond funding to support the design and construction of the new aquatic center. Located across from the recently completed Merrick-Moore Park, the future facility will feature pools, spraygrounds, a lazy river, shaded gathering areas, fitness trails, and family-friendly amenities.