The Des Moines Art Center announced today that it has finalized its plans to remove “Greenwood Pond: Double Site” by American land artist and designer Mary Miss. In a news release, the art center cited public safety as the main reason for its removal.

The decision has been met with pushback from the artist and other community members. A New York Times story published on Jan. 24 covered the art center’s intentions to remove “Greenwood Pond Double Site.”

According to a news release by the art center, key sections of “Greenwood Pond: Double Site” were declared dangerous and unsalvageable by a structural engineering firm in mid-October 2023.

On or around April 8, the art center will begin enclosing both the pond and a section of the paved trail leading from the southwest side of the art center toward the pond with 6-foot-high fencing, the news release said.

Access to surrounding bike trails will be minimally impacted. Around the same time, the city will drain Greenwood Pond, redirecting the water into the Racoon River and, along with it, much of the aquatic life, the news release continued.

The art center’s contractor will disassemble and remove all of the stone, concrete, wooden and metal elements that comprise “Greenwood Pond: Double Site,” including the boulders, bridges, walkways and huts that either encircle Greenwood Pond or set in it.

Depending on weather and unforeseen variables, the art center and its partners estimate this work will take 12 to 15 weeks.

In a news release, the art center said, “We wish to thank the city of Des Moines and Des Moines Parks and Recreation for their partnership and collaboration during the planning and implementation of this process.” The art center also thanked Des Moines Mayor Connie Boesen for her support and trust.

“I recognize the deep connection our community has with ‘Greenwood Pond: Double Site,’” Boesen said in a prepared statement. “We prioritize the public safety of park patrons and respect the Des Moines Art Center’s decision regarding its decommissioning, and we remain dedicated to supporting our vibrant arts community. Moving forward, we will collaborate closely with the art center and the public to ensure that the surrounding park remains a cherished local destination, while also exploring opportunities to reimagine the park, and continuing to enrich our city’s cultural landscape.”

In a prepared statement, Des Moines Art Center director Kelly Baum reiterated Boesen’s sentiments, saying, “Every decision we make as an institution is for the intellectual, emotional, social and physical well-being of our guests. Trust and creativity flourish best in environments that are secure and welcoming. We are and always will be just as committed to the arts as we are to public safety.”

According to the news release, during the removal process, the art center and its contractor “will exercise the utmost care to protect those elements that form part of the existing environment.”

Memorial benches installed by Des Moines Parks and Recreation will be removed for protection and then returned to their current locations. Additionally, the stone placard that marks ‘Greenwood Pond: Double Site’ will be retained.”

After the removal, the impacted areas around Greenwood Pond will be restored for public use by rebuilding existing gravel pathways and creating new ones, reinforcing the shoreline on the northwest side of the pond and more.