Restoration of the Children’s Bell sculpture along Ruston Way is under way, according to Metro Parks Tacoma officials.

The four-foot-tall bronze sculpture was created by artist Larry Anderson and installed along the Commencement Bay waterfront 14 years ago. The public art was a gift to Tacoma from “Washington Partnerships for Action, Voices for Empowerment (PAVE)” and other private donors in honor of Washington PAVE Founder and Director Marty Gentili.

Earlier this year, the City of Tacoma began to accept bids on the restoration project, which involves remounting the piece on a shaft foundation, painting existing support pipes, rebuilding gong strikers, and restoring the surrounding landscape to its original condition. Bids were accepted until Feb. 19, and a contract was awarded to Tacoma-based Lewis Concrete, Inc.

Beginning today, safety barricades will be posted around the sculpture as restoration work is completed over the next several weeks, according to Metro Parks Tacoma officials. The goal is to have the project completed by May 1 or in time for the summer season.

To read the Tacoma Daily Index‘s complete and comprehensive coverage of the Children’s Bell sculpture, click on the following links:

• 4 contractors bid on Children’s Bell sculpture restoration project (Tacoma Daily Index, March 14, 2014)
• City Hall News: Tacoma Smelter Plume cleanup, public art restoration project and Presidents Day (Tacoma Daily Index, February 14, 2014)
• City seeks bids for Children’s Bell sculpture restoration project (Tacoma Daily Index, February 5, 2014)