"Republican" doctrine might call this a misappropriation of public resources. :-) However, I like the inspirational side of this and not arguments for why this is a waste of public money - I don't think it's a waste, though it creates a much larger stage, even without comment on the aesthetics involved.  And hey, it only costs a third of a garage made out of CLT.   Its a young idea to install this sculpture, so its energy belongs to our kids.  And it is a vast improvement on the proudly post modern mini-horror Seattle copycat sculptures at Willamette & Broadway in Eugene or at the new I-5 bridge.  Unquestionably, this new "flaming" monolith resembling a teed up silver perforated snow cone shell will put Springfield on the map, though the question then is what do next with this large amount of attention.  The possibilities are there. I'd  hope there will be enough inspiration spillover to increase the 25-30% likeliness that kids like my daughter will have a chance for a college diploma.