Years: 2025
Crosswalks to Courthouse
KCCI, Leon County Government, and the Knight Foundation fund from the Community Foundation of North Florida enhanced connectivity and safety in downtown Leon County with 3 artistic crosswalks. Click here to see pictures from the install and celebration.
The artistic crosswalks are location at:
- Calhoun Street near College Avenue
- Calhoun Street near College Avenue and the parking garage
- East Jefferson Street and S Calhoun Street near Judge Augustus D. Aikens, Jr. Leon County Courthouse.
The Process
KCCI’s 2024 Community Catalyst team conducted research that showed residents desire more artistic elements in downtown. KCCI partnered with Leon County Government to improve crosswalks with artistic crosswalks from the Calhoun Street parking garage to the Courthouse, considering the safety benefits of artistic crosswalks and the heavy pedestrian traffic to downtown areas.
“Through this project, we’re creating a safer and more vibrant path for our community members as they navigate downtown,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long. “This is just another example of how we continue to collaborate with community partners to make our County a place where people want to live, work, and visit.”
Quick actions and connected communities can be the spark for long-term progress. This quick-action placemaking project demonstrates and builds momentum to improve livability for residents of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities right here in downtown Leon County.
“Artistic crosswalks like these inspire creativity and community pride, while making our streets safer for everyone,” said KCCI Executive Director Betsy Couch. “We’re grateful to partner with Leon County and the Community Foundation of North Florida to make this vision a reality.”
This project builds on the longstanding partnership between the County and KCCI, including the most recent public art project, Crosswalks to Classrooms – Dempsey Mayo, where the County and KCCI installed three elevated, artistic crosswalks along Dempsey Mayo Road near W.T. Moore Elementary and Westminster Oaks to enhance pedestrian safety. Speed studies following the installations showed notable reductions in traffic speeds, with decreases of up to 23.7% in some areas, reinforcing the effectiveness of these enhancements.
“The artistic crosswalks are a vibrant addition to our downtown area, making it a more inviting place for residents and visitors alike,” said Ausley McMullen Shareholder Jeff Wahlen. “With my office located nearby, I appreciate efforts like this that will improve safety and walkability and create a more engaging experience for our community.”
This is the first of many downtown placemaking improvements you will see from KCCI’s 2025 Community Catalyst team.
The Design
The crosswalk artwork was selected through a Call for Artists presented by KCCI, which invited County residents to submit original designs that inspire excitement and foster a unique sense of place. Among the submissions, Harmonic Suns, a piece by versatile artist and designer Sherlyn Rosiclair-Reyes, was chosen for the crosswalk design. Sherlyn explores bold patterns and symbolism through both digital and traditional mediums, drawing from cultural, spiritual, and personal influences.
Installation
The crosswalks are out of a Color-Safe material and installed by a professional installer.
How it was celebrated
Leon County Government, KCCI Community Catalysts and partners celebrated on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 with a ribbon cutting and inaugural walk across the crosswalks. For more pictures from the unveiling or installation, click here.
Looking to recreate this in your area or your community? Call KCCI’s Executive Director Betsy Couch (850) 509-3767 and Download Bloomberg Foundation’s Asphalt Art Guide HERE.
Benefits
The Crosswalks to Courthouse project engaged diverse communities, governmental entities, and businesses through planning practices, while enhancing roadway safety and improving travel in downtown.
The project seamlessly marries placemaking and pedestrian safety.
Thank you
Thank you to the partners that made the pilot project possible: Leon County Government, The Knight Foundation fund at the Community Foundation of North Florida and KCCI partners that made this year’s Community Catalyst team possible. Thank you to Ausley Law Firm hosting the unveiling event.
