George Washington might be coming to Washington. Well, make that a likeness of the man for whom the city is named.

During its meeting Monday, the City Council learned of a proposal to bring a sculpture (probably bronze) of Washington seated on a park bench to the city’s downtown area. That would allow visitors and others to have photographic opportunities with one of the nation’s most historic figures, according to city officials.

To pay for the statue and bench, estimated to cost about $10,000, the city would begin a campaign to obtain donations from project sponsors, City Manager Bobby Roberson told the council.

“It would be, basically, in the triangle area as you come into the promenade — either where Crab Park is, where the Civic Center is or right beside Sloan Insurance. Those are the three areas,” Roberson said. “I think it will be a great addition, and we’d like to move forward with it. I’m not about to move forward on it and ask people to donate money to put George down there without the City Council acknowledging the fact we will be raising money.”

Councilman Doug Mercer has a reservation about the project. “My only concern is you’ve got a great object for vandalism. I can see a pink George or a yellow George every other weekend,” he said.

“Well, we hope not, but I understand that. … I do think it’s a great opportunity for us to celebrate George Washington. This is the first community (named for him). I think we need to introduce that theme inside the central business district,” Roberson said.

Mayor Mac Hodges suggested obtaining “a fiberglass George Washington, if you can get one.” With a fiberglass likeness of Washington, should it be painted pink, it could be repainted with its original paint scheme, he said. “The first time I heard of this, they had Benjamin Franklin sitting on a bench in Philadelphia, and I think he survived OK in Philadelphia. Hopefully, George could survive here,” Hodges said.

Councilman Richard Brooks said he prefers a bronze sculpture to fiberglass or plastic, saying bronze is more durable.

Roberson said if the community provides the money to pay for the project and the Historic Preservation Commission gives its OK, he would bring the proposal back to the council for a decision on whether to proceed with the project and where to locate the sculpture if the council green lights the project.