×
×
homepage logo

Wanted: Mural ideas for Tonganoxie

By Shawn Linenberger - | Feb 13, 2015

Temperatures climbed into the 60s Sunday and residents responded.

Folks were out and about at Chieftain Park enjoying the unseasonably warm temperatures.

A trip to the car wash came with a waiting period.

It was a perfect day to be out and about.

It’s hoped another spot will be a popular attraction for many picture-perfect Tonganoxie days to come.

Perhaps you’ve noticed the small park downtown where the former Tonganoxie police station stood at Fourth and Delaware streets.

City crews poured the concrete last year and installed benches, one of which is handicapped accessible. The area, sometimes referred to as a pocket park, already has been utilized for an event — the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting. The pad where the tree stood also could be used for concerts in the park and other events. Later this year, a drinking fountain, as well as a fence along the northeast line of the property, will be installed.

The Retail and Commercial Development Committee, of which I’m a member, has been working on the project for several months. An advertising executive who oversaw The Mirror and other area newspapers was on the committee at one time. When she accepted another job elsewhere, I was asked to join the committee. It currently has four members: Bill Peak, Cheryl Hanback, Keyta Kelly and me.

It’s been exciting to work on projects that help enhance the community. Previous projects include street banners and blue way-finding signs throughout Tonganoxie.

The projects have been great for the community, but it’s the next project that we hope will really set Tonganoxie apart — and we need your input.

RCDC is initiating a call for artists to paint murals on the walls that create the pocket park’s borders to the north and much of the east side.

Committee members discussed themes for the murals and thought an ode to Tonganoxie’s history would be fitting.

The space once was home to the city’s library. We envisioned the mural somehow reflecting the history of the community while also having some element that is a nod to the library. It was thought the mural could be a place for folks — both residents and visitors — to learn more about the community and enjoy the beauty of the mural and the park itself.

And because it’s not far from Chieftain Trail, it might be a nice stop for walkers and joggers to visit, while also making stops at downtown businesses.

What do you think?

Who and what should be profiled in the mural?

Are there other general ideas for the murals?

Send your suggestions through email to info@tonganoxie.org or contact City Hall at 913-845-2620.

Tonganoxie already has a wonderful mural a block west of the pocket park. What if this project provides a domino effect and Tonganoxie is touted as a city of murals?

That discussion is down the road, but the pocket park mural talks are not, so share your thoughts and ideas.

We look forward to hearing your input.