The Meridian Arts Commission unanimously recommended artist Stephanie Inman’s “Safe Passage” public-art concept for the Linder Road median and will forward the design and agreement to Meridian City Council for final approval.

The recommendation came after a stakeholder review that selected Inman’s proposal from three local finalists. Cassandra (staff member) told commissioners the committee and project stakeholders — which included County Highway District staff, city planners and the landscape architect — had worked with Inman to refine the design and reduce scope to stay within budget. “She adapted it a little bit,” Cassandra said, describing changes that reduced the installation from 12 bird forms to 11 to meet cost limits while preserving three wing positions: up, open and down.

Why it matters: Linder Road is a major north–south corridor in Meridian. The commission said integrating artwork now — including conduit for lighting and structural coordination — will avoid having to retrofit work once the corridor is built.

Commissioners heard engineering and design details: the bird forms will be primarily aluminum with Corten-steel bases, range roughly 6 feet in height with higher wing tips, include drainage holes to prevent standing water, and be mounted at several positions to suggest motion. Cassandra said the median run for the installation is about 300 feet and that lighting was included in the landscape package so the pieces will be lit from two sides and oriented toward traffic. She said the project team is coordinating conduit placement now so lighting and foundations are installed with the roadway work.

Commission discussion focused on durability and nighttime visibility. Commissioner Vasil Ivanov asked if the pieces would be lit; Cassandra confirmed lighting is planned and that electrical conduit and lighting would be included in the landscaping contract. Commissioners also noted that birds of prey typically are solitary and suggested viewers might interpret the repeated bird forms either as multiple birds or sequential positions of a single bird in flight.

The commission voted to recommend the design to city council. Bobby Gaetan moved the recommendation and Patrick O'Leary seconded; the chair called the vote and the motion passed unanimously.

Next steps: Cassandra said she is finalizing the agreement to go to city council; if Council approves the design and agreement it will proceed through the city's construction and fabrication steps with an anticipated installation year of 2027.

Discussion points: the stakeholder group reviewed structural engineering for alternate wing positions; one bird was removed to meet budget; night lighting and conduit placement were emphasized to avoid retrofits. Directions: staff will finalize the artist agreement and forward the package to city council. Decision: commission voted to recommend the design to city council.

The project remains subject to city-council approval and to the city’s construction timeline for the Linder Road corridor.