Patchwork Pathways
Portage Trail will be getting a vibrant burst of color and creativity this summer thanks to a new project that was approved by the Cuyahoga Falls Public Art Board. Based on the merit of 2023-24's Home is where the heART is project, Cuyahoga Falls City School District (CFCSD) was awarded a TeachArtsOhio grant from the Ohio Arts Council and a grant from the GAR Foundation to complete 2024-2025’s Patchwork Pathways project. This year-long interdisciplinary artist residency with Mac Love (ART x LOVE) is teaching students how to evaluate, design, and create asphalt art and utility box wraps to improve public safety and elevate Cuyahoga Falls’ pedestrian experience.
“The goal of the project is to improve pedestrian safety and experience for the new Cuyahoga Falls 6-12 Campus with asphalt art and utility box wraps,” says Jennifer Schulman, CFHS's Public Art & Design Teacher. “For the past few months, students have been working with Mac to evaluate sites and develop concepts for creative transformation. Five of our Public Art & Design students came out last week to pitch our project to the Cuyahoga Falls Public Art Board. They did an amazing job, and we're thrilled to have secured approval to proceed with this exciting opportunity."
Three intersections and seven utility boxes have been approved for transformation, all of which will be completed by Cuyahoga Falls High School students under the supervision of their teachers: Jennifer Schulman, Claire McCarter, Doug Smith, and Mac Love.
"As the community prepares for the shift to the new campus on Portage Trail, we thought this would be a perfect opportunity for students to leave their mark with art that will make the trip more colorful and inspiring for everyone," says Love. "We know that placemaking and creative investments can make a tremendous impact on people's lives. 2022's Asphalt Art Safety Study found a 50% reduction in car crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists after asphalt art was introduced to challenging roads. This project is going to bring a big smile and some extra kindness to people's lives along this corridor."
The utility box transformations begin at Portage Crossing and continue east on Portage Trail to the other side of Route 8, including boxes at:
Portage Trail & Lillis Dr.
Portage Trail & Portage Crossing
Portage Trail & N Haven Blvd.
Portage Trail & 13th Street
Portage Trail & 6th Street
Portage Trail & Front Street
Portage Trail & Munroe Falls Ave.
In addition to the utility box wraps, the following intersections have been approved for sidewalk art:
Portage Trail & N Haven Blvd.
Portage Trail & 8th Street
Portage Trail & 6th Street
"Having an opportunity like this means so much to our students," says Schulman. "Many of them live just down the street or walk by these sites every day. The idea that they can transform them into something positive, something that can bring us together as a community, is really special to them. Patchwork Pathways will showcase and celebrate Cuyahoga Falls' distinct creative spirit while making the pedestrian and commuter experience safer and more inspiring for all."
Preliminary concepts were shared with the Public Art Commission on March 12, and approved for development. Mac Love is now working with the students, city, and neighboring properties to ensure all are aligned with the final vision for each site. "I've personally walked every site, looked at it from every vantage point, and visited every neighboring property to let them know what we're working on," says Love. "All are open to the idea, and I think when this is all done, you're going to notice the traffic starting to slow down and more people walking these corridors. If you had the choice, wouldn't you rather take the route that gives you something beautiful to look at?"
Special thanks to our partners for their support of Patchwork Pathways!
Cuyahoga Falls City School District, located in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, is a dynamic educational community committed to fostering academic excellence, personal growth, and community engagement. Serving a diverse student population that includes over 20 languages, the District is dedicated to providing a comprehensive and innovative learning experience from kindergarten through high school. Cuyahoga Falls City School District strives to empower students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a global society.
