The 11-foot, 1,300-pound steel sculpture, called "Beacon," was installed Dec. 16. It is in the shape of a lantern and depicts a beacon of guiding light illuminating the gateway into the historic downtown area.

Bay Area artist Glen Rogers designed the sculpture and San Jose resident Fred Brady fabricated it.

The Beacon's vertical spine is 4 feet in diameter at its widest point, and its steel panels were laser cut with images of fruit, nuts and seeds, representing Campbell's orchard city heritage. There are also spiral designs, which Rogers said represent renewal and regeneration.

"I tend to use symbols in my work that are inspirational," Rogers said. "This piece connects the past and the present and the future."

The piece has a natural rust patina finish, created by an acetic acid spray, and is lit from the ground. It is located at the northern end of the curved seat wall and is visible from every direction. Rogers said this was the most ambitious piece she's ever worked on because of its shape.

"Any time you do any piece there's challenges and you want it to be perfect," she said. "I'm really happy with the way it turned out." Rogers' design was chosen after the city issued an open call for Bay Area artists to submit proposals.

A panel comprised of staff from various city departments reviewed the submissions and met with a few artists based on their previous work, capabilities and budgetary needs. Bernie Strojny, the former city manager, also reviewed the designs.

The design for "Beacon" was presented and approved by the downtown committee and presented at public meetings of the civic improvement commission, parks and recreation commission and city council.

"Her design fit what we were trying to accomplish," said Campbell Redevelopment Agency coordinator Francine Principe, "something in metal that was vertical and would be eye-catching; something to match the context of the park and not be overwhelming."

Rogers has designed a number of public art pieces now on display in the Bay Area, including a wall piece in Edith Morley Park called "Essence of Water."

"It has some real similarities to the 'Beacon,' even though it's two dimensional," Rogers said. "I really like the rust coloration because it's very earthy."

Bernice and Randy Cowherd of Los Gatos thought the sculpture, its color in particular, was "East Indian looking." They called the work compatible with the rest of downtown.

Bernice Cowherd said, "The city makes such an effort with their parks and recreation, it's fantastic."