(ANGOLA) - The City of Angola has been awarded funding through the second round of the Indiana Safe Routes to School Grant Program, helping support safety improvements and public art projects near local schools.
Health by Design announced that 15 Indiana communities received grants ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 through the program, which is supported in partnership with the Indiana Department of Health's Division of Health Innovation Partnerships and Programs.
The grants are designed to help communities make it safer, easier and more enjoyable for students to walk, bike and roll to school. Funded projects across the state include bike rodeos, Walk, Bike and Roll to School Day events, safety equipment distribution, crosswalk installations and enhancements, upgraded signage and lighting, bike rack installations and quick-build safety demonstrations.
In Angola, the grant will support the installation of mural artwork on five school crosswalks. The project is being coordinated by the City of Angola Mayor's Arts Council and Health by Design.
According to project organizers, the crosswalk locations were identified as safety concerns by the Angola Police Department and Street Department. The selected locations are South Wayne Street, two crosswalks on Williams Street, Washington Street and Felicity Street.
The Mayor's Arts Council issued a call for artists several months ago and selected five artists and five designs following a review process.
Installation is scheduled to take place June 15 through June 26. The Angola Police Department and Street Department will assist at each location to help ensure safety during the project.
Project organizers said crosswalk murals are intended as a safety enhancement. A statement from Bloomberg Associates cited by the city says communities around the world are using art to reimagine roadways and infrastructure while improving street safety, revitalizing public spaces and bringing communities together.
The grant also funded the purchase of six illuminated pedestrian crossing signs. In addition, each elementary school within the city limits will receive backpack lights and bicycle lights for students who walk or ride to school.
The project was made possible through a grant from Health by Design. Questions can be directed to Allison Daglow, City of Angola Community Coordinator, at 260-624-2665 or by email at adaglow@angolain.org.