The City of Indio presented Shadow Walk, a public-art and corridor-improvement project for Jackson Street funded by a Caltrans Clean California local grant, and defended the installation after some businesses complained it had obscured signs and limited visibility.

City principal civil engineer Don Dueno told the council the city received $4.5 million in state funds through Caltrans’ Clean California Local Grant Program that paid for sidewalks, shade structures, clean-ups and other corridor improvements. Dueno said roughly $2.6 million of the grant paid for the shade shelters and that an earlier figure of about $860,000 paid for sidewalk gap closure and ADA ramps; other utility relocation costs were not included in that sidewalk figure.

"Shadow Walk is a public art and beautification project," Dueno said. "This area between Kenner Avenue and Avenue 45 on Jackson Street was targeted to make it something more vibrant and inviting." He described on‑going elements the grant funded: sidewalk repairs, tree plantings, a student poster contest, and large “big‑belly” trash receptacles already installed on Jackson.

Artists associated with the project said the design aims to spark conversation and incorporate local voices. Wes Heiss and Marek (Marek) Wolchak (presented as the design team) described a modular shade structure with perforated metal panels and colored glass elements. The artists said they collected hundreds of drawings from students at Indio, Shadow Hills and Indio High and translated about 135 student sketches into perforated patterns that appear in the panels, producing moving, patterned shadows on the sidewalk.

Some council members and business owners said outreach could have been stronger and that several merchants complained panels blocked storefront signage. Councilmember Ben Gutron asked when the application was submitted; staff said it went to Caltrans in August 2022 and was approved later that year (city staff cited December 2022). Councilmembers noted staff has since adjusted some panels to improve sign visibility and recommended additional outreach and interpretive materials so passersby understand the project’s intent and student contributions.

Councilmember Wayman Furman and others emphasized the piece has generated engagement and social-media attention, with residents and influencers posting videos beneath the installation. Furman said the project is part of wider investments in that corridor — new sidewalks, LED lighting, curb and gutter and public‑safety work — intended to improve a long‑underserved area.

City staff offered to amplify the project’s story with QR codes, website background material, and marketing copy describing the Clean California grant and the student involvement. Dueno and the artists said maintenance and long‑term durability were considered during selection; the Public Art Commission and staff evaluated feasibility, artistic quality and maintenance in selecting the design team.

The council did not take formal legislative action on Shadow Walk at the meeting; staff said they would continue to work with business owners to address sign visibility and publish more detailed project background online.

The discussion combined technical project details with artistic goals and public feedback. City staff stressed the installations were paid for by a state grant rather than ongoing city general‑fund capital. Several council members urged continued outreach to ensure residents and merchants understand how the project was funded and how it was sited.