Mesa residents and visitors can now enjoy a dash of color and creativity on their rides and walks along the city's canal paths, thanks to a group of local young artists. The city's "Bike to Books" design contest winners have their artwork showcased along the shared-use paths, turning the daily commute into a small gallery of vibrant expressions that celebrate reading, the community, and exercise.
The artworks, created by Ellie Richardson, Valentina Mercado Villalobos, and KysaRaye Hamann, are installed on the Stadium Connector Shared Use Path, located just north of the Cinemark Theatre at Mesa Riverview. According to an article published by MesaNow, Mesa’s Transportation Department's striping crew used propane torches to heat and adhere the thermal plastic renditions of the winning designs, bringing a fresh look to the popular recreational amenities.
Sourced from a total of fifty submissions, the winning designs spanned three age categories, ranging from pre-k to 12th grade. Each category sparked the imaginations of Mesa's youth, pushing them to think about how their environment can be reshaped into a more visually engaging space. "Every finalist also received a certificate signed by City officials celebrating their contribution." Mesa Public Library and the city's Transportation Department’s MesaMoves Program enhanced the rewards for the contest winners, providing a prize package that included a backpack filled with gear for further artistic and intellectual exploration.
The community is not just a bystander in this artistic initiative. Residents are encouraged to visit the pathway to appreciate the winning artworks firsthand and are invited to delve deeper into the themes depicted in each piece. The Mesa Public Library has gone the extra mile by crafting custom reading lists inspired by each design, inviting a seamless blend of physical and mental engagement—a true celebration of what it means to be immersed in culture, exercise, and education simultaneously.
