A proposal for a community mural project on the footbridge connecting George School to Newtown Township was presented recently.
Barbara Simmons, former executive director of The Peace Center, outlined her plan before the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors last week to create a mural aimed at promoting unity between law enforcement and community members.
“I’m excited about the project,” Simmons said. “I’ve been working with the Department of Justice on this.”
The proposed mural would utilize the chain-link fence on the footbridge as a canvas for artwork. The bridge sits near the border of Middletown Township and Newtown Township.
Simmons said she has been working with PennDOT to gain approval for the project.
“This would be a great place to have a unique mural that would use the chain link fence to have the artwork be displayed,” Simmons explained.
The project would involve students from George School, Council Rock High School, and Bucks County Community College, as well as law enforcement officers from Newtown Township, Newtown Borough, and Middletown Township.
Simmons has already completed similar mural projects in Falls Township, Bristol Township, and Morrisville Borough. One mural project is underway in Doylestown Borough.
Pointing to the collaboration, Simmons pointed to the community-building aspect of the initiative.
“It’s a community building activity and that’s what I love about it,” Simmons said.
The activist requested that the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors consider submitting the application to PennDOT on behalf of the project.
Board Chairperson Elen Snyder expressed interest in the proposal but stated that the board would need to discuss it further before making a decision.
“I think it’s a beautiful idea,” Snyder said. “I can’t give you an answer right now.”
Simmons agreed to send design examples to the board members for review. She noted that the designs are flexible and can be adapted.
“They’re just beautiful designs and actually the way you do it can be changed,” Simmons said.
