KVR Middle School students participated in the City of Penticton’s new ‘Friendly Streets’ initiative by painting Jermyn Street. This initiative aims to enhance safety in the community through creative street painting projects. The project started with the installation of painted elements on either side of a raised crosswalk connecting KVR to Penticton Secondary School. The murals and painted concrete blocks not only mark a no-stopping area but also aim to encourage drivers to slow down and pay attention to their surroundings. The project has been in the works since January, with around 20 students overseeing the mural design, colours, and concept. The final design reflects the school colours of KVR and Penticton Secondary, with one design representing community and strength in warm colours and circles, and the other representing unity and strength in shades of blue and triangles.
The ‘Friendly Streets’ initiative is a two-pronged approach focusing on safety and community engagement. By using painted elements, such as crosswalks and murals, the initiative aims to draw driver attention to the streets to enhance safety. The city’s Infrastructure general manager, Kristen Dixon, stated that painted elements are not only a safety measure but a fun way to engage the community and allow them to take ownership of the infrastructure. The next art installation is planned for Saturday, June 1, at the intersection of Ellis and Nanaimo in downtown Penticton. The city is working with a team of artists and volunteers to oversee this work, and the entire community is invited to take part in this street painting project. More details will be released before the event to encourage community involvement and collaboration.
The project on Jermyn Street started when the principal of KVR Middle School raised concerns about the safety of crossing for students. In response, the city had plans to install a raised crosswalk, but they decided to make it more engaging by adding a painting element. This project is just the first of many street painting projects planned for Penticton as part of the ‘Friendly Streets’ initiative. The designs for the murals were chosen based on the school colours of KVR and Penticton Secondary, with one design representing community and strength through circles and warm colours, and the other representing unity and strength through triangles and shades of blue. The installation aims not only to enhance safety but also to create a sense of pride and ownership among the community.
The community collaboration aspect of the ‘Friendly Streets’ initiative is evident in the involvement of KVR Middle School students in overseeing the mural design and concept. Around 20 students participated in the project, working on choosing colours and developing the final design that reflects the school colours of KVR and Penticton Secondary. The students’ involvement in the project not only allows them to contribute to their community but also gives them a sense of ownership and pride in the infrastructure. The ‘Friendly Streets’ initiative is a creative way to engage the community and make safety improvements in Penticton through street art and painted elements that draw driver attention to the surroundings. The next art installation planned for Ellis and Nanaimo intersection invites the entire community to participate in the street painting project, emphasizing community involvement and collaboration in enhancing safety and aesthetics in the city.
In conclusion, the ‘Friendly Streets’ initiative in Penticton aims to enhance safety and community engagement through creative street painting projects. The project on Jermyn Street involved KVR Middle School students in painting murals and concrete blocks on a raised crosswalk connecting the school to Penticton Secondary. The designs of the murals reflect the school colours and values of both schools, incorporating elements of community, strength, and unity. The project not only serves as a safety measure but also promotes community involvement and ownership of the infrastructure. The next art installation planned for Ellis and Nanaimo intersection continues the community collaboration aspect, inviting the entire community to take part in the street painting project. This initiative showcases the power of creativity in enhancing safety and community pride in Penticton through street art and painted elements that draw attention to the surroundings.
