Applications to create crosswalk art now open, deadline for groups to submit forms is April 30
Forms are available for groups, organizations, businesses, churches and individuals to paint "creative and fun" crosswalks in downtown Forrest City.
The crosswalk beautification program is part of the Arkansas Delta Region Obesity Project’s efforts to get residents in the Delta moving, according to Anna Howton, ArDROP committee member.
"All forms are due back to Forrest City City Hall by Friday, April 30," said to Howton.
According to ArDROP project manager Jessica Vincent, there are 12 areas being considered for beautification.
Vincent and other ArDROP members recently visited Forrest City to measure the width of streets in the targeted areas.
The first street being considered is Mississippi Street, near the Civic Center, where the farmer’s market will be housed this summer. That project will be used to promote buying healthy items from the market.
Other intersections include two at Arkansas and North Izard, one at Arkansas and Chestnut, one at Arkansas and North Forrest, and one across Arkansas Street leading into Stuart Springs Park.
"You have several people who do walk around the downtown area," said Vincent. "I think it would be advantageous to put some there for those who walk."
The downtown crosswalks being considered include two at North Rosser and Dillard Street, three at North Rosser and Garland and one at Garland and North Washington.
"Many other states have done this," said Vincent. "But Forrest City would be the first for Arkansas, I believe."
Vincent said she believes art in designated areas brings an interest to those neighborhoods and makes walking safer.
"They bring visual appeal to a community and are attractive and stand out. Traditional crosswalks blend in after a while," said Vincent. "People are going to slow down to see what the artwork is."
Also adding to safety features, the Forrest City Public Works department plans to place a thin layer of glass beading on the crosswalk to add a reflective quality to them at night as a safety feature.
Assistant public works director Richard Rice told Vincent he had seen the beading done in Texas and believes it would be a good safety feature to add to the ArDROP crosswalk project.
"I think that is fantastic," said Vincent.
Rice explained that the department would put extra beads near the edges of the crosswalk to help with longevity of the application.
According to Vincent, crosswalk art would be an opportunity for residents to take ownership of their area.
"They would be sponsors of that area," said Vincent. "It helps instill a sense of pride in communities."
Vincent said crosswalks have to be done within federal guidelines and that the projects are not easy to complete, due to having to block areas off to complete the work and getting some pushback from federal entities.
"They like the uniformity of a traditional crosswalk," said Vincent. "I wouldn't suggest doing all 12 at the same time. Do little sections at a time."
Vincent said funding through ArDROP would purchase all materials for the projects and cover most expenses, except labor costs from the transportation department.
"That is the only thing I foresee the city may have to pay," said Vincent.
“We suggest doing the crosswalk art with a temporary medium first, like chalk, just to make sure the community is okay with the art being placed," said Vincent. "Then, if the community is comfortable with it, groups can go back through with more permanent measures such as paint."
Those wanting to design a crosswalk should pick up a form at city hall or contact Howton at ahorton@woodruffelectric.com
Designs may not include slogans, company names, or anything to affiliate the crosswalk to a specific group or organization.
For examples of crosswalk art in other places, visit thnews.com or the TimesHerald's Facebook.