Progress continues on the mural project at the new pocket park in downtown Tonganoxie, but the committee members are asking for input from the community to help determine what might go on the murals.

The meeting will start at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in council chambers, 321 Delaware.

The Tonganoxie Retail and Commercial Development Committee is leading the forum to discuss ideas of what notable Tonganoxie residents, both past and present, might grace the murals. The meeting originally was to take place at the library, but a scheduling conflict moved the forum to council chambers.

At Monday’s City Council meeting, members unanimously approved an agreement with Chillicothe, Mo., artist Kelly Poling to create the mural on the west side of the Dr. Stevens office. The agreement for that mural is $5,000, which is being funded completely through a Leighty grant. RCDC member Keyta Kelly said at Monday’s meeting the committee is looking to have a mural on the park’s north wall, which is the south side of council chambers, but that would come at a later time. That mural also would cost $5,000, for which RCDC has budgeted. RCDC is funded with $10,000 annually through the city’s general fund.

RCDC’s past projects have included the wayfinding signs throughout the community that direct visitors to schools, parks, business areas and more.

The committee also has done promotional brochures and purchased banners that don light poles throughout downtown Tonganoxie.

The group also designed the pocket park, which has picnic tables, including a handicapped accessible picnic table. The park also features a drinking fountain for walkers and runners to fill up water bottles, or grab a drink for themselves or a pet.

The park, which has a bench, also is the new home for the Mayor’s Christmas Tree each winter.

RCDC, with help from additional community leaders, selected their top three finalists for the project. A Lawrence couple initially was the top finalist, but they could not agree with the city on a contract. Poling has painted several murals in Chillicothe and throughout the region. His work can be found at kellypoling.com.