by Marty Proctor
Groveland recently completed painting the water tanks at the City Utilities Sunshine facility on 19 north of 27. City councilman Mike Radzik resoundingly stated, “the tanks are now a beautiful gateway to the City of Groveland.” TJ Fish, Director of Transportation and Public Works for Groveland added, “We knew there was some required maintenance at the water storage tank facility, including painting. So why not add value to the project? How about we take the tank painting that we already had to do and add a mural to it? Anytime we can use something as unglamorous as our utilities to do something charming, we are certainly going to look for those opportunities. We are hoping to see other similar projects”
Mayor Evelyn Wilson shares this about the newest city gateway, “I’ve been pushing to the water tower to get cleaned and painted for 2 years. I am proud of the way it looks, when you go down 19 you can see it clearly.” The city staff and council people we spoke with all agreed that repainting the tanks had to be done and that painting the water tanks a drab beige would not enhance the appearance of the facility or the city gateway. Mayor Wilson continues, “the water utility staff quietly and quickly got the job done without telling me. They knew I had been asking for it consistently for a long time. It’s beautiful and makes me proud when I drive by.” The mayor also shared information about America In Bloom which provides in-person coaching and a detailed evaluation offering comprehensive recommendations for community transformation. “A committee from America In Bloom recently visited Groveland. These judges/advisors will rate Groveland and how it looks including these gateway projects.”
TJ Fish, Director of Public Works explained the history, background, and future of these types of projects. “About four years ago when I joined the Groveland team, we talked with the city manager. We agreed that one of the projects that would be great for our community-based approach to the way of life is to engage the people to be proud to be in Groveland. So we decided on a gateway project where we would have something at all the arterial (roadway) entrances to the city: 50, 27, 19, 33 and the Turnpike. A gateway is a structure or design element that welcomes you to the community.”
The artistic and contractor details are provided by Chris Grove, a long time resident and former city employee, now with Woodard and Curran (W&C). Mallard Systems cleaned and painted the two tanks. Rolf Goetzinger of Artistbrothers painted the murals on the tanks using Tnemec brand paint purchased through Florida Protective Coating. “This was a great project to be a part of,” Chris said, offering his feelings on being involved. “W&C marketing team supplied the original renderings for the tanks. Rolf took their ideas and submitted a final rendering. This was a great collaboration between the City of Groveland and the entire Woodard & Curran staff.”
“Coming up with a design and locations was a challenge,” TJ continues. “DOT encouraged us to place it on City or private property rather than buy within the right of ways. We knew there was some required tank maintenance including painting. About 2 years ago, we realized that the tanks, their color and condition reflected poorly on the City With Natural Charm. Rather than buying property, designing and building some monument structure, we decided to hire an artist instead of just hiring a company to paint the tank. The artist went through several proofs. We wanted something that is charming, features our new logo and nature. We fit the bill with what we came up with. It actually is more striking that we expected and was done on time and within budget. The project moved fast enough that every day as you drove by, you could see the progress.”
City Manager Mike Hein summarized the project from the top level. “Our partners at Woodard & Curran, who took over operations of our utility division a couple years ago, have really been a strong community partner. They understand the need to really invest not only in infrastructure but image. They saw the opportunity on the water towers as something we could do to promote our connection with nature and our desire to be the City With Natural Charm.”
