At the December 14, 2021, City Council Meeting, Council Member George Brietigam proposed placing a Strawberry Zest statue in front of Fire Station 84 on Valley View Street.

Subsequently on January 11, 2022, the City Council approved the placement of the statue in front of Fire Station 84 upon completion of private fundraising efforts.

Local artist Jennifer Stewart designed the concept, which will consist of a strawberry emerging from the peel of an orange, symbolizing the agricultural heritage of the area, when Orange County really was “orange” county and when Garden Grove’s leading crop was the strawberry. The public art piece will be approximately six feet tall and will serve as a focal point for the community as well as celebrate the City and the County’s heritage (see attached concept photos).

As of December 31, 2023, $112,274.65 has been raised, which is anticipated to be sufficient for the commissioning and construction of the statue.  

The statue is now ready for its final stages of completion, which will include digital scanning and molding followed by transport to the foundry for the bronze casting.  The final stages are conservatively estimated to be completed over the next four months followed by final installation.

The commissioning and construction of the statue will be paid for with private funds.  Public Works will be responsible for installation of the base and statue.

It is recommended that the City Council:

• Accept the Strawberry Zest statue upon completion of final construction, and direct staff to coordinate and complete installation of the statue at the previously approved location in front of Fire Station 84.  

By:  Matt West, Interim Assistant City Manager