By Brooklynn Wong
Art districts in cities around the country have begun decorating their streets with painted murals, and Buena Park may now be following suit. At a Special Meeting last week, the City Council considered whether art in crosswalks would be a good idea in the city.
The regulations, understandably, are strict on what can be painted in the streets. Distractions for drivers ought to be kept to a minimum.
City staff who had looked into the regulations from the Federal Highway Administration said designs cannot be retro reflective, must be subdued, and cannot depict any logos or shapes easily confused with traffic symbols. There must be white transverse lines outside of the design that “bracket” it.
The Cultural & Fine Arts Commission initiated the idea, and would be the ones spearheading the process, with Council’s blessing.
If it were to proceed, a request for proposal would go out to solicit proposals from artists. They would then go on to a selection committee, and the committee would make a recommendation to City Council.
The Cultural & Fine Arts Commission would ideally like to see one of these pieces of art in each district in the city. The cost would be between five and eight thousand dollars for each one.
According to research, crosswalk murals usually have a lifespan of three to six months when street grade paint is used. Periodic touch-ups are needed, depending on how much traffic drives over it regularly, but there are more expensive alternatives that are more durable.
City staff pointed out that each mural ought to match its community’s character.
They suggested starting with one by Boisseranc Park, and one by Peak Park, in quieter neighborhoods, where there wouldn’t be so much wear and tear.
Community Services Supervisor Imani Tolliver said they considered putting one on Beach Boulevard, but, “There’s already so much happening; it would get lost,” and wear down fast.
Resident Susan Sonne spoke in favor of putting art in some of Buena Park’s crosswalks, saying it “makes the space inviting,” encourages children to play outside, slows drivers down and “reminds them it’s not a highway.” She also said it can encourage active forms of transit like walking and biking.
Councilwoman Beth Swift said she is not in favor of the idea, saying she fears it would be too distracting to children crossing in the crosswalks. Two of the examples city staff had shown were of giant piano keys painted in a crosswalk, and a hopscotch game. Swift said these were troubling to her, because they would discourage children from crossing the street quickly and safely.
The rest of the Council expressed tempered support for the idea.
Since the meeting was only a Study Session, a discussion was held, but no decisions were made.
