The City of Tacoma announced this week it will accept bids from select contractors to restore the bronze Children’s Bell sculpture, which has been located along Ruston Way near the shores of Commencement Bay since it was created by artist Larry Anderson in 2000. The public art piece, which can be rung by visitors, was recently removed and placed in Metro Parks Tacoma’s Parks Maintenance Building to address needed repairs.

The project involves remounting the piece on a shaft foundation, painting existing support pipes, rebuilding gong strikers, and restoring the surrounding landscape to its original condition.

The goal is to have the project completed by May 1 or in time for the summer season, according to City of Tacoma staff.

The City will hold a pre-bid conference on-site at 3825 Ruston Way at 10 a.m. on Weds., Feb. 5 for Small Works Roster contractors notified directly by the City of Tacoma. The pre-bid conference will be followed by a visit to the bell, located at 3825 Ruston Way, at 10:45 a.m. at Metro Parks Tacoma’s Parks Maintenance building, located at 5402 N. Shirley St., in Ruston. The project budget is $9,900. Bids will be received until 11 a.m. on Weds., Feb. 12.

More information about the project is available online here.

(UPDATE: The bid deadline has been extended and will expire at 11 a.m. on Weds., Feb. 19).