Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Art topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
California State Parks, tribes and local artist propose Lake Natoma murals on bridge pillars
Summary
State Parks representatives and tribal partners presented renderings for murals on the Lake Natoma bridge pillars to honor Indigenous, Chinese and African‑American histories; the proposal includes off‑site fabrication of durable printed material and commitments to native‑plant restoration and maintenance discussions with the city.
Steve Hilton, district superintendent for California State Parks’ Goldfields District, described a multi‑year process of research and consultation that identified local tribal histories and other stories associated with the Lake Natoma and Folsom area. "Through that research, we identified a couple of high profile mem Native American members ..." he said, and described outreach to tribal relatives and oral‑history informants.
Devin, a district interpreter, and Stan Padillo, the lead artist, said the concept uses highly durable printed "polytab" panels that are bonded to the concrete pillars rather than painted in place. Padillo described the work as "riverscape, a historical riverscape" that will blend traditional ecological knowledge and contemporary recreation. He said the material is fireproof, waterproof and ripproof and noted local examples of similar approaches.
Council members asked technical and maintenance questions, including whether the panels can be cleaned if vandalized and whether the artwork will present a continuous wrap around the pillars. State Parks staff said they anticipate taking responsibility for maintenance but will confirm with their maintenance chief and that design and anti‑graffiti coatings are part of the plan.
Several council members and the vice mayor expressed support for the project and suggested adding QR codes or an app for paddlers to access interpretive history while on the water. State Parks said it expects the first installation up by next summer and that additional columns could be addressed later as separate phases.
No council vote was required on the presentation; staff requested council support to continue finalizing the design and partnering on restoration work in the riparian corridor.
