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Highland Village board weighs tunnel mural, vinyl wraps after artist funding gap
Summary
The Highland Village Parks and Recreation Advisory Board on Nov. 1 heard that funding to paint a trail tunnel white was not approved and reviewed vendor quotes for a vinyl wall wrap as a lower-maintenance alternative.
The Highland Village Parks and Recreation Advisory Board on Nov. 1 was briefed on alternatives for artwork for a trail tunnel after staff said funding to paint the tunnel white was not approved.
Staff presented two preliminary vendor estimates for a one-sided wall wrap — SpeedPro at $30,673 and Image 360 at $23,714 — noting those figures do not include the actual artwork design or installation details. The cost estimates were provided solely to give the board context about potential procurement options.
Board members and staff discussed lower-cost alternatives and public engagement. "We have an art fund," Andrew (city staff) told the board, adding that the fund, seeded by art-festival booth fees, has "almost $8,000" available. Board members pressed for broader public input and suggested tapping local art teachers, youth contests and sponsorships to reduce costs.
Ryan Melson, a Park Board member who consulted an artist before the meeting, explained why the wrap option was raised: "It would be a challenge to find qualified artists willing to donate a significant time and effort required to complete the project," he said, and the sign-industry contact suggested a wall wrap as an alternative.
Staff noted vinyl wraps are expected to last about "10 to 20 years depending on how it's taken care of," and that wraps can be easier to clean, maintain and replace than a painted mural. Members discussed life-cycle costs and the potential need for staff time to manage an expanded art program.
Board members asked staff to pursue additional research and outreach — including contacting the Greater Denton County Arts Council and local universities, developing sponsorship and fundraising materials, and comparing grant opportunities — and to return with refined cost estimates, location options and a public-engagement plan. Staff said follow-up work may extend into 2026 because of event-season workloads.
The board did not adopt a final design or vendor; instead it directed staff to collect community input, explore partnerships and grants, and bring options back for further consideration.
