Jeremy Ranch roundabout sculptures to be installed by summer, naming contest kicks off in April

DKLA Design from Santa Fe, New Mexico, was chosen to build the Jeremy Ranch and Pine Brook roundabout art installations. Photo: DKLA Design.

PARK CITY, Utah — Summit County’s long-awaited public art installation at the Jeremy Ranch roundabouts is progressing toward installation this summer, with community engagement set to begin in April.

The Summit County Public Art Advisory Board (SCPAAB) selected “Encounter” by DKLA Design as the winning proposal for the two roundabouts at the Jeremy Ranch/Pinebrook exits (Exit 141) on Interstate 80. The sculptures — featuring a sandhill crane and a moose — will serve as symbolic gateways into the county.

“The Jeremy Ranch Roundabouts are important focal points signifying a major gateway to Summit County,” the SCPAAB stated in its project overview, “serving residents and millions of annual visitors.”

DKLA Design was selected following a competitive RFQ process that launched in December 2023. Three finalists were chosen based on artistic merit, prior experience with large-scale public works, and demonstrated ability to engage communities. Proposals were evaluated in part through two public meetings.

The total commission is $194,000 and covers all costs including design, fabrication, transportation, and installation. The final artwork must be low-maintenance, meet all safety regulations, and reflect the landscape, history, and wildlife of the area.

Public art in the classroom

The artist team will visit four local schools on April 24 and 25 to present their creative process, explain how the sculptures were built, and discuss the role of public art.

“They’ll be talking to students about how the sculptures are made, what inspired their designs, and even touch on the math and engineering involved,” said Summit County Public Art Program Manager Lindsay Malone.

Students will also be invited to take part in a naming contest. Each participating class will submit name ideas for the sandhill crane and moose sculptures. After submissions are collected, a public vote will determine the final names. The classrooms that submit the chosen names will receive a prize.

School presentation schedule:

• Thursday, April 24
  • Park City Day School
    • Grades 5–8 assembly: 9:05–9:55 a.m.
    • 4th grade: 10–10:30 a.m.
• Friday, April 25
  • Ecker Hill Middle School
    • Art classes: 9:22–10:14 a.m., 10:19–11:11 a.m.
  • Weilenmann School of Discovery
    • All-school assembly: 1–2 p.m.

After students submit their class names, a digital campaign will allow the broader community to vote. Voting is expected to open in late spring.

Installation and next steps

Sculpture installation is planned for May or June, weather permitting. Once complete, SCPAAB will announce the winners of the naming contest and reveal the final artwork to the public.

The sculptures will anchor the two roundabouts serving as both landmarks and educational tools, integrating art with the area’s identity and ecology.

For more information and project updates, visit Arts Council Summit County + Park City.