Title
Resolution Accepting and Approving the Installation of North Carolina’s First Women’s Holocaust Monument at LeBauer Park
Body
Department: Parks and Recreation
Council District: 3
Council Priority: Ensure Fiscal Stewardship, Transparency, & Accountability
Public Hearing: n/a
Advertising Date/By: n/a
Contact 1 and Phone: Nasha McCray, 373-7360
Contact 2 and Phone: Chris Wilson, 373-2002
PURPOSE:
Requesting a resolution to accept and approve the installation of North Carolina’s First Women’s Holocaust Monument, titled “She Wouldn’t Take Off Her Boots” by local artist Victoria Milstein
BACKGROUND:
On August 19, 2020, the Board of Directors of Greensboro Downtown Parks, Inc. (GDPI) held its regularly scheduled bi-monthly board meeting and considered a proposed gift of a bronze sculpture to LeBauer Park from local artist, Victoria Milstein titled “She Wouldn’t Take Off Her Boots.” Building upon the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and the end of the Holocaust, this original sculpture serves to honor the strength and resilience of all women and will be North Carolina’s First Women’s Holocaust Monument. The GDPI Board of Directors approved acceptance of this gift, pending final approval and acceptance by the City of Greensboro. The board cited the LeBauer Family’s gift of LeBauer Park and strong ties to the Jewish community, the need for more monuments that reflect a commitment to issues surrounding social justice, and the absence of any financial risk as the driving factors behind their endorsement and subsequent unanimous approval to accept this gift.
The Parks and Recreation Department, on behalf of the City, manages the contract with GDPI to operate and manage LeBauer Park, a City-owned facility. As such, this request was presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission on November 11, 2020 and was also unanimously approved.
BUDGET IMPACT:
There will not be an impact to the operating budget for acceptance of this donation. The sculpture is valued at approximately $500,000 and would be listed as an asset of GDPI and included for coverage as part of GDPI’s property insurance policy. A Holocaust Memorial Fund has been established with the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro to manage donations and provide an endowment to cover any future maintenance or repair costs for the project.
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
It is requested that City Council accept and approve the installation of “She Wouldn’t Take Off Her Boots,” North Carolina’s First Women’s Holocaust Monument, at LeBauer Park.