Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 01/09/2025

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1.7 Methods This research project proposes a qualitative case study approach; supported by interviews, case study, document review, site visits and literature review. Three contrasting (most different) community types will be examined. It is proposed that one first-ring suburban community(Community A), one freestanding regional center (Community B) and one exurban community(Community Q be analyzed concerning public art projects in the small city context. Conclusions will be drawn in regard to the research questions by comparing and contrasting the similarities and differences of these communities. Each community has been identified as having a significant public art installation. The cities are described below: • Community A is a fully developed inner-ring suburban community of the Twin Cities with a 2010 population of 17,601. The city is a western suburb of Minneapolis and is located in Hennepin County. • Community B is a rural freestanding regional commerce center in central Minnesota. Hutchinson has a 2010 population of 14,176. The city is located approximately 60 miles west of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area(known as the Twin Cities). • Community C is an exurban community west of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area and has a 2010 population of 5,464. The city was once a freestanding agricultural center, and is now on the fringes of the metropolitan area and within commuting distance for residents. As part of the case study, one-on-one interviews were conducted with several key people in each of the three communities. Initial interviews included the city manager, the mayor, and a community art professional involved with the project. Additional collaborators were identified through this process and subsequently interviewed. 22