It was a mistake.
That was the city’s position Tuesday after about 30 “love locks” were removed by city employees from a fence on the Northbank Riverwalk near the Acosta Bridge.
“We should not have just removed the locks,” said Pam Roman, a spokeswoman for Parks, Recreation and Community Services. “We could have been more sensitive.”
Love locks are padlocks intended to memorialize couples’ affection and commitment.
The locks were removed by a maintenance worker who was responding to a graffiti complaint, Roman said.
RELATED STORY: City workers removed love locks from Northbank Riverwalk fence.
Now that the city is more is aware of the love locks’ tradition, the parks department is exploring ways to offer an opportunity to display them.
“We’re looking at our options. Somewhere along the Riverwalk makes the most sense,” Roman said.
In cities where locks placed on bridges have become problematic due to increased weight, one solution has been to install public art intended to be an officially designated love-lock exhibit.
The department plans to evaluate locations and materials that would be appropriate for such an installation.
Roman said Tuesday it won’t require a new task force, or even a special committee, and the city should “have an idea within a month.”
The cultural community will be called on for input, based on the possible artistic aspect of the project.
Tony Allegretti, executive director of the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, said the council always looks forward to facilitating more public art in Jacksonville.
The organization administers the Art in Public Places Program, which was created in 1997 by city ordinance.
As part of the budget for every new city capital building project or renovation of more than $100,000, by law 0.75 percent is set aside to commission and maintain public art.
A six-member committee evaluates opportunities, determines appropriations from the Art in Public Places Trust Fund and awards commissions to artists.
In addition to the art community, the city plans to reach out to the people whose locks were removed.
“Any of the folks that had locks that were mistakenly removed, we want them to be involved in the process,” said Roman.
Mike Field is a member of the Art in Public Places Committee and one of the people who placed a lock on the fence. He reported the removal Sunday on social media.
Field said love locks as public art is an issue that should be considered and it’s something he thinks the community would support.
“Plenty of parks could use some public art. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just functional,” he said.
Although the love locks were damaged when they were cut from the fence, “We still have them,” Roman said.
She said anyone whose lock was removed can call (904) 630-CITY to get it back.
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