On Saturday, November 19th, local non-profit organization, Living Streets Alliance, and the Miracle Manor neighborhood will host a special community block party, inviting residents and friends to transform the intersections of Kelso Street and Jacinto Street on 15th Avenue. Together, the community will paint colorful murals that will beautify the street and help calm traffic to improve safety in the neighborhood.
The Miracle Manor Block-Painting Party will take place from 9:00AM to 4:00PM. Designed and led by local artist Jessi Moreno, residents will paint intersection murals with imagery inspired by students from Nash Elementary, including vintage toys and things that spark curiosity in children like outer-space. The artwork and planters will be added to existing traffic circles that will continue to serve to slow down cars going through the neighborhood. Participants in the block party can enjoy free food and music provided by DJ Aqua. Residents are encouraged to bring their bicycles for free repair.
The bare-bones traffic circles were installed by the Department of Transportation and Mobility during the Slow Streets program implemented in 2020 to calm vehicular traffic and provide a safe space for people to recreate in their neighborhood. Currently they consist of a concrete circle with metal posts around the perimeter. Through this project, they’ll get a “makeover,” adding color, imagery, and greenery that will enhance and beautify them as public spaces.
This project is the second “Action Activities” led by Living Streets Alliance as part of the Thrive in the 05 Initiative, made possible through many different partnerships including Tucson Housing & Community Development, Tucson Department of Transportation & Mobility, and Tucson Ward 3 Councilmember Kevin Dahl. A third and final artistic traffic calming project will take place in the Old Pascua neighborhood in January of next year.
The mission of Living Streets Alliance (LSA) is to advocate for a thriving Tucson by creating great streets for all of us. LSA is improving access to healthy, sustainable modes of transportation through outreach, education, advocacy, and research. For more information visit www.livingstreetsalliance.org.
