Council approves $60,000 mosaic mural for Prairie Path trailhead

The Warrenville City Council voted Sept. 8 to approve the purchase of a four-panel mosaic mural to be installed on the Trailhead Building facing Butterfield Road.

Monica Johns, chair of the Tourism and Arts Commission, told the council the design illustrates the four seasons along the Illinois Prairie Path with custom ceramic pieces and hand-cut art glass. "The panels will be installed next spring," Johns said, adding the removable panels will measure roughly 20 feet wide by 4 feet tall and will be created by Lori Polpeter Eskenazi and Linda Kipke.

Johns said the proposal reflects the program’s purpose “to preserve and enhance the local identity of Warrenville,” and noted staff identified capital maintenance and finance contacts to coordinate installation and payment. The commission described the work as a legacy public-art piece intended for long-term display.

Alderman Berry praised the artists’ attention to local detail, pointing to motifs in the rendering such as skis and sneakers that represent activities on the Prairie Path. An artist who spoke during the meeting explained that tiles and grout would be sealed and recommended resealing every one to two years to maintain durability.

Alderman Kreukenberg moved to recommend council approval and to direct staff to work with the city attorney to finalize a contract and resolution; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.

The mural’s reported cost is $60,000, which staff said would utilize the full aesthetic enhancement program budget for fiscal year 2026. City staff identified Capital Maintenance Superintendent Jamie Clark and Finance Director Kevin Dahlstrand as the leads for installation logistics and payment approval. The council recommended the purchase; a formal contract and resolution will be completed by the city attorney before final purchase.

Next steps: city staff will finalize contract language with the city attorney and arrange installation logistics for spring 2026.