Two Forest Park crosswalks recently received makeovers with artwork reflective of the park and its surroundings. The two crosswalks enhanced were the ones near the Forest Park Aquatic Center and the newly remodeled center restroom building.
Peterson
“We’re always looking for ways to incorporate art in our parks and we saw this as a great opportunity to update the crosswalks in a fun, creative way. Parks staff are involved with various art councils around town, which is where we first heard about Nickel Plate Arts transforming other crosswalks, and we knew we wanted to work with them on this project,” said Noblesville Parks Director Brandon Bennett.
Working with Nickel Plate Arts, a selection committee reviewed the numerous artwork entries before selecting two different designs by Noblesville resident Darren Peterson.
“Darren’s designs really brought the crosswalks to life and incorporated elements of Forest Park,” said Mike Hoffmeister, assistant park director.
A water life theme containing colorful fish and other aquatic life connects the park to the aquatic center. The center restroom crosswalk features two large footprints with silhouettes of animals typically found in the park – such as a squirrel, bunny and fox – with the animal footprints walking along the crosswalk. Each crosswalk includes safety elements with vibrant colors.
“The two parks crosswalk projects were a great opportunity to develop some ideas and use some lessons learned on first two Nickel Plate Arts crosswalks – at Eighth and Maple and Ninth and Maple – to create a fun, whimsical, large-scale art project in Forest Park,” said Peterson. “The part I enjoy most about the projects is community building, because none of these wacky ideas happen without volunteers, partners and the entire community.”
In addition to Nickel Plate Arts, the parks department would like to thank the following local sponsors who helped fund this project: Committee to Elect Greg O’Connor, Meyer Najem, Kurt Meyer, Hamilton County Tourism, Innovative Planning, Ann Lemna, Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville, Noblesville Lions Club and Keep Noblesville Beautiful.