Loveland wants to put a bronze sculpture and water feature in Nisbet Park, and the city is asking residents to help pay for it.
The project, called "Loveland's Heart," is part of Loveland's 150th anniversary celebration. The city launched a community fundraising campaign in late September to cover the cost, according to a city announcement. The campaign is listed through Oct. 30 on the city's community events page.
The sculpture draws on Loveland's connection to the Frogman, the city's homegrown cryptid. The city's announcement said the piece is "inspired by Loveland's longtime connection to the Frogman and the fun, creative spirit of our community." The city's community events page describes the project differently, citing "Loveland's natural beauty and connection to the Little Miami River."
The Frogman legend dates to the 1950s, when the first modern sighting of a four-foot frog walking on two legs was reported, Local 12 reported. Riverside Drive was believed to be the site of two reported encounters along Riverside Drive in the 1970s.
The city’s initial announcement said the sculpture was unnamed. They called that part of the fun.
"This is exactly the kind of project that makes a community fun," Mayor Kathy Bailey said in the city's announcement. "It's something people will want to see, take pictures with and show their friends."
City Manager David Kennedy said the Frogman is part of Loveland's history and that bringing its personality into the park "just feels right."
The campaign seeks $100,000. The cited project pages do not identify the sculptor or provide an installation timeline.
The sculpture project is one of several sesquicentennial efforts at Nisbet Park. The city is also collecting items for a new time capsule to be sealed until Loveland's bicentennial in 2076. Submissions are due Oct. 30 at Loveland City Hall, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Items must be no larger than 8½ by 11 inches and laminated or sealed in a waterproof bag when possible.
Separately, the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance will present a check to the city on Thursday, Oct. 29, at 5 p.m. at Nisbet Park for its support of the park's river-view swings. Mayor Bailey will accept the check.
