PORT TOWNSEND — A statue erected at Willow Tree Park without the city of Port Townsend’s knowledge has City Manager David Timmons pointing to it as an example of the need for a municipal public art policy.

Such a policy is in the early stages of development at City Hall.

Timmons, in an Aug. 16 letter to Nancy Stelow, Soroptimist past environmental chair, ordered Soroptimist International of Port Townsend to remove a Jim Davison bronze, “Girl With Wheel Barrow,” by Sept. 17.

“I am asking that your organization do the right thing and set an example by following through under the correct process,” Timmons wrote.

That process would include review by the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board and Arts Commission, his office, then City Council consideration, Timmons said Wednesday.

The right thing

“We have nothing against the Soroptimists,” said Timmons.

“They are wonderful people and a great service organization. That’s why I think it’s important for them to set an example.”

The statue was placed at the park at Sims Way and Kearney Street on July 25, said the club’s president, Betty Oakes.

She said club members thought they were doing the right thing when they erected the artwork, which comes with special meaning for members, including past Soroptimist president Darlene VanSlyke, who arranged for the statue’s installation.

Soroptimist is an international volunteer organization for business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world.

“It was a surprise, especially since we were told when we signed up to adopt a park program we could basically do whatever we could for the park,” Oakes said Wednesday at the statue, where she picked up stuffed animals and dolls left in the wheelbarrow.

Oakes said she was taking them to the domestic violence shelter in Port Townsend for children there to enjoy.