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Board hears community push to beautify modal filters and add benches to improve active-transportation access
Summary
Spokane Reimagined and board members discussed low-cost beautification projects—painting Jersey barriers and installing benches at stops—to improve visibility and comfort on bike and pedestrian routes; city staff reported some benches have been added via youth programs and STA.
Emily of Spokane Reimagined asked the board to consider permission and partnerships to paint Jersey barriers, concrete islands and modal filters to increase visibility, celebrate public space and add traffic-calming elements.
"Getting permission from the city to paint these ... to make them beautiful as much as possible to celebrate public space, and also for traffic calming," Emily said. Board members recalled past proposals, noted Spokane Arts involvement in bike corrals and suggested checking whether previous efforts had a contract or city clearance.
Nicole White from the city’s Transportation and Sustainability office introduced herself and said OnTrack Academy and a youth wellness zone have installed benches in District 1 (about seven), and that STA and citizen volunteers have also contributed benches. "So Just about, like, 7," she said, describing placements led by community partners.
Why it matters: painted barriers and benches can improve route visibility, pedestrian comfort and perceived safety, potentially increasing use of non-driving modes. Board members suggested partner groups, volunteer crews, neighborhood councils and possible low-cost incentives; staff advised checking procurement and right-of-way rules before any painting or installation.
Next steps: board members encouraged Emily to follow up with staff leads to check legal/contractual requirements and coordinate with Spokane Arts and other partners before field work or public beautification.
