Public Art Commission approves Eylar Bridge mural, urges Parks and Rec review of bridge safety

The Lexington Public Art Commission voted to approve a Phase 1 application for an Eylar Bridge mural at Ottlauer Park, with a formal recommendation that Parks and Recreation inspect the bridge and address any code or safety issues before students paint the artwork.

Destiny Cornett, volunteer coordinator with Lexington Parks and Recreation, presented the project and said Trane employees would fund the work and supply paint. Cornett told the commission the design package came from seven Breckenridge Elementary students working with two teachers; the primary painted area is a 12-by-6-foot concrete slab at the start of the bridge, facing the softball field. She said students will be invited to paint their own designs and that the project team plans a white base coat to highlight the artwork.

Commissioners asked about durability and safety. Cornett said the team will add grit to paint to reduce slipping and coordinate routine maintenance with the maintenance crew and a preferred vendor. Commissioner S17, a civil engineer, raised a specific safety concern, noting that "anything greater than 30 inches requires a guardrail" and urged the applicants to consult maintenance to ensure the slab meets code. Cornett said Trane will fund the painting and that she would notify maintenance staff to review the bridge.

After discussion, Commissioner S19 moved to approve the project and "fast track" Phase 1, conditioned on the applicants working with Parks and Recreation to review the bridge and address safety and code compliance; Commissioner S11 seconded the motion. The commission approved the motion; no detailed tally was recorded in the transcript. Chair S3 closed the item by thanking the applicants, who in turn thanked the commission.

Commissioners and applicants also agreed to follow up on technical lessons from prior city projects that involved painting concrete pads near stormwater infrastructure, and several commissioners offered to connect the applicants with designers and staff who had resolved durability and railing designs in past installations.

The commission noted a tentative date for the student painting of May 28 and asked the applicants to provide video and invitations so commissioners could attend. Cornett said the park advisory board and the Ottlauer neighbors had already reviewed and approved the concept. The commission asked applicants to bring any findings from the Parks and Recreation safety review back to the commission if material changes to scope or schedule were needed.

Votes at a glance

- Motion: "Approve this project and fast track it with the condition that the applicants consult Parks and Recreation about bridge safety and code compliance." Mover: Commissioner S19; Second: Commissioner S11; Outcome: approved (vote tally not specified in transcript).

Next steps: Applicants will coordinate with Parks and Recreation on safety and maintenance details; the commission will accept follow-up information and scoring sheets as the project moves through the Phase 1 process.