At the corner of Monroe and Alexis in James Seney Park stands one of Sylvania’s most familiar and beloved landmarks: the Triad of Trees, a sculpture created by artist Bruce Janssen and dedicated in 1988. For over 35 years, it has greeted residents returning home—a quiet, graceful symbol of the “City of Trees.”

Now, its future is in doubt.

In July 2023, Sylvania Arts issued an internal report recommending that the Triad ultimately be replaced—not repaired—due to concerns about the sculpture’s materials and long-term maintenance needs. While no decision has been made yet, and the US-23 project will not impact the sculpture, city officials have confirmed that its fate will be discussed in the context of Sylvania’s 2027 beautification and gateway entrance plans.

We believe the Triad of Trees is still worth saving—and that the community must be included in the decision about what happens next.

We, the Citizens of Sylvania, ask the City of Sylvania, Sylvania Arts, and all relevant stakeholders to:

• Publicly commit to preserving the Triad of Trees in its current location, or fully explore responsible restoration before considering removal or relocation.
• Include the public in a transparent and inclusive decision-making process regarding the sculpture’s future.
• Engage directly with the original artist, Bruce Janssen, to assess the condition of the sculpture and explore potential restoration options.
• Commission a professional, independent evaluation of the sculpture’s structural integrity and obtain formal repair estimates from qualified conservators.
• Treat the Triad of Trees as a significant piece of Sylvania’s cultural identity, not simply as a replaceable object.

 
Why this matters:

🎨 The Triad is one of Sylvania’s few prominent public artworks. Its presence at the gateway to the city gives it symbolic importance. Removing it would be another loss in a city already grappling with the removal of dozens of mature trees in recent years.

🛑 The sculpture is not beyond repair. The city's own report states the frame appears stable and no serious interior damage is visible. Estimated repairs are modest compared to what the city routinely spends on infrastructure or public space improvements.

🌱 We are the City of Trees

 
✅ What we support:

• Open dialogue.
• Preservation before replacement.
• Creative solutions, including fundraising or collaboration with arts institutions.
• Respect for the artist and the public.

We understand that public art requires care. But that doesn’t mean it’s expendable. The Triad has weathered nearly four decades of Ohio seasons—and it can last for decades more if we treat it like what it is: a cultural asset worth protecting.

Let’s save the Triad of Trees—before it's quietly replaced.