Over the years, the buffalo has seen its fair share of graffiti and harsh weather. It has been painted over, lost its horns and bits of it have chipped away. Despite its disheveled exterior, the buffalo has become somewhat of a beloved fixture of the park, with families and children often posing in front of and on the statue for photos, so in proposing this idea at the Viola Awards and to the city of Flagstaff, Nelson and Seven are aware of the controversy they might be stirring. But Nelson argued, “The buffalo is like the port-a-potties. It is aesthetically and functionally unacceptable.”

The removal or replacement of the buffalo statue is not the only focus of their proposal. The Dark Skies Coalition’s project proposal also recommends parking lot improvements, a restroom facility that would replace the current portable toilets, ramada and outdoor classroom improvements, fence replacements and other minor site improvements. The total cost, according to the proposal, amounts to $1.2 million.

Nelson will present the proposal on April 8 to the Flagstaff Beautification and Public Art Commission. The commission is responsible for recommending to the city council which beautification and public art projects are funded from the BBB tax. The meeting is open to the public and will be conducted in the council chambers at Flagstaff City Hall.