SOUTH TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — The City of South Tucson is working to make roads safer while also brightening up the community.
New crosswalks were painted after being designed by local artists.
"They're all reflective of this community," Selina Barajas, who helped plan the project, explained. "A lot of them grew up in this area and have come back."
A number of community members came together to help with the painting.
"You know, we are reinvesting back into the neighborhoods that we love," she shared. "So, it meant much more to us than creating color on the streets."
The crosswalks are located at 4th Avenue and 28th Street. This area was picked because of it's heavy use.
"We see people, you know, crossing. We see people on bikes along this corridor and we want to ensure those safety measures," Barajas said.
While it's only been completed for a few days, it is already helping.
"People notice them," she added. "We've just been observing and in the past couple days since they've been on the street, we've had people slow down and admire the artwork."
The community has taken notice, with many surprised.
"It was a big surprise for those who went to work on Monday," Mel Dominguez, who helped with the project, shared. "They were like, 'When did this happen.' So now, they are looking forward to more."
Dominguez works at Galeria Mitotera, which is located right next to the crosswalk. He's glad it is right outside.
"The reason why it looks the way it does is because it represents the neighborhood," Dominguez said.
The city is hoping to add more in the coming weeks.
The crosswalk project was designed by Sal Sawaki from Wagon Burner Arts and funded by the Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona. The mural on the nearby wall was created by Mel Dominguez and funded by the Sunnyside Foundation. There are a number of local artists that helped put together the projects.
