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Council signals support for using town tunnel and park wall for public murals
Summary
Resident Melissa Peasley asked the council to permit use of a tunnel and a park wall as public-art sites; council members expressed support and staff noted YDOT policies that leave such responsibilities to the town for communities over 1,500 population.
Resident Melissa Peasley asked the Wheatland City Council to allow the downtown tunnel and a park wall to be used as community public-art sites for student and community murals.
“I would respectfully request that the town give public permission for the tunnel and the wall at the park to be used as public art areas,” Peasley told the council. She said the high school and middle-school art teacher are already planning designs and that students would likely take part.
Peasley said she researched state policy and reported that the Wyoming Department of Transportation (YDOT) operating policy places maintenance responsibilities — snow removal, sidewalk and pathway upkeep, litter control and similar duties — with the town for municipalities over 1,500 in population, which she said gives Wheatland authority to permit artwork in the space. A presiding officer responded, “You’re gonna get no argument from me,” and council members discussed available paint donations and community enthusiasm.
The council did not record a formal ordinance or roll-call vote granting permanent policy changes; the transcript shows council discussion and informal approval to proceed with planning and to connect Peasley with town contacts (Dean Crew) and the school art teacher. Council members suggested using donated paint and resources for youth programs and summer projects.
Next steps: staff or council members will follow up to provide contact information to Peasley and to coordinate scope, safety and maintenance arrangements before any public-art work begins.
