COMMUNITY

Bigfoot footprint approved in KRP

Keizerite Ron Christopher with a carved Sasquatch destined for Keizer Rapids Park.

The Keizer City Council approved the placement of a wood-carved Sasquatch in Keizer Rapids Park Monday, June 7.

The approval of the project that started with the Keizer Public Art Commission is part of a greater effort to create spaces for “Insta Art,” or artwork that attracts those looking for selfies to post on social media.

Cost of the piece is approximately $2,000. The Art Commission raises money through private donations and grants to fund its projects.

Councilors approved a site east of the Keizer Rotary Amphitheater patio as the location. A foundation will need to be poured to secure the statue and it will need annual preservation treatments.

The carving was created by James Lukinich, a McNary High School graduate. Lukinich aslo carved the second story pole in front of the Keizer Civic Center. Lukinich left Oregon for Alaska shortly after graduating and began working as an arborist. Almost immediately, he began carving in his spare time.

“There was never a shortage of chainsaws or trees,” Lukinich told the Keizertimes before he started the story pole in 2020. Lukinich and his wife turned the hobby into his full-time job about five years ago. 

A second Insta Art project was up for consideration at the Keizer Parks Advisory Board Tuesday, June 8. Keizerite Bella Biondi would like to paint a mural on the side of the new(ish) restrooms inside Keizer Rapids Park.

The mural would feature three sets of wings for visitors to stand in front of for photos. She asked the parks board for a $200 matching grant to help cover the cost of materials.