LYNN – At Tuesday evening’s meeting of the Lynn Board of Park Commissioners, a proposal to install a large-scale public art structure known as the “Dancing Dragon” pavilion at Lynn Harbor Park was approved.
Representing Beyond Walls, Deputy Director Tiffany Daniel opened the presentation by outlining the organization’s mission and track record.
“We are a creative placemaking agency based here in Lynn… and we have set up over 300 pieces of art across 18 cities,” she said, emphasizing the group’s focus on gateway cities and community-driven design.
She explained that Beyond Walls works closely with local partners “in order to beautify space and to make changes, creative changes in the built environment,” often addressing needs such as safety and accessibility.
Daniel also highlighted the organization’s “Classroom to the Streets” program, which engages students, educators, and artists in creating large-scale public art.
“They go out, and they put up large-scale art over the course of the summer,” she said, noting that Lynn alone hosts more than 80 such pieces. Several works reflect Cambodian heritage, a connection that helped inspire the Dancing Dragon concept.
Johnson Mao of the Kakrona Center, Inc. spoke about the project’s cultural importance. Recalling his family’s arrival as refugees, he said Lynn had long lacked spaces to celebrate Cambodian traditions.
“To honor our tradition, our culture… Lynn has never had that path for us,” he said. The proposed pavilion, he added, would “help the community; it’s going to help the culture, help the youth,” especially through partnerships with Lynn Public Schools and other local groups.
The structure honoring Cambodian heritage is especially significant given that the month of May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
The month celebrates and recognizes the historical contributions, cultural traditions, ancestry, native languages, and unique experiences represented among Asian Americans and Pacific Islander descent in the United States.
The Dancing Dragon structure itself was described as an interactive steel pavilion designed to invite public use rather than passive viewing.
It was explained that the structure is two tripods that are structurally stable by themselves and from that hangs two swings. The piece is intended as a gathering space where visitors can “sit and eat a lunch or read or play with your friends.”
Technically, the structure would be constructed from steel with a high-durability municipal-grade paint, applied with the help of Lynn Vocational Technical Institute students.
The process would include sandblasting, priming, and finishing with auto-body-grade coatings.
The pavilion would measure approximately 20 by 30 feet and stand 15 feet tall. It would rest on four concrete foundations, allowing for a relatively minimal footprint and straightforward installation.
It was noted that the structure is engineered to withstand environmental stresses, including coastal conditions, though increased wear near the waterfront was acknowledged.
Two potential locations were discussed: Lynn Commons and Harbor Park.
While the Commons offers proximity to schools and City Hall, several commissioners expressed a preference for Harbor Park.
“I think it’s a much better place… a bigger place for it to go,” Chair Steven J. Babbitt said, adding that the structure could better “command an audience” and draw visitors in a larger open space.
However, Harbor Park presents additional challenges, including soil conditions and exposure to saltwater and storms. Maintenance and responsibility for the structure emerged as key concerns.
While Beyond Walls indicated a willingness to stay involved, officials stressed the importance of clear ownership. “If the swing breaks, who’s responsible for it?” Department of Public Works Associate Commissioner Lisa Nerich asked.
The response acknowledged that “that’s not fully established yet” and would need to be determined among stakeholders, likely with the city or parks department taking a leading role.
The projected timeline also prompted discussion.
While fabrication could begin as early as September, full completion may take up to a year, particularly if student involvement is prioritized.
“It’s radically more valuable to have students… do the work,” Daniel said, even if it extends the schedule.
Despite the logistical questions, the overall tone of the meeting was positive. The commissioners described the project as beautifully designed before the board ultimately voted to approve the installation at Harbor Park, allowing further preparation with Principal Planning Director Aaron Clausen.
With that approval, the Dancing Dragon moves one step closer to becoming a new cultural and artistic landmark in Lynn, blending public art, youth engagement, and community identity into a single, ambitious project.
