New colourful crosswalks bring public art to Maple Ridge’s Memorial Peace Park

Two new colourful crosswalks have been completed at Memorial Peace Park in downtown Maple Ridge, adding public art to one of the city’s busiest community gathering spaces.

The City of Maple Ridge announced the completion of the crosswalks on Oct. 9, showcasing designs created by local Artist in Residence Colleen Brown.

Titled “See You At The Park,” the two installations are intended to reflect the energy, colour and movement of the festivals, markets, concerts and everyday activities that take place at Memorial Peace Park throughout the year.

The crosswalks are located at the north and south approaches to the park, with each featuring a distinct colour scheme inspired by its surroundings.

The southern crosswalk incorporates bright spring pinks inspired by the flowers and rhododendrons growing in the park, while the northern crosswalk features cooler green tones influenced by the glass of a nearby tower.

Together, the designs are intended to create complementary entrances that welcome residents and visitors into the downtown public space.

“Memorial Peace Park brings people together through so many lively community events,” Brown said. “The See You At The Park crosswalks reflect the joyful feeling and movement of the foot traffic during these events. Together, they celebrate movement, colour and community.”

Brown has been one of Maple Ridge’s two Artists in Residence since 2023.

Primarily known for her sculptural work, Brown explores how objects and materials can represent social relationships. Through her residency, she has also worked with community members of different ages on collaborative arts projects and experiences.

The crosswalk installation is part of the city’s broader effort to incorporate public art into community spaces, making artwork accessible outside traditional galleries and cultural facilities.

“The new crosswalks are another way the city is bringing public art into everyday spaces, creating unique and welcoming places for residents and visitors to experience,” said Chad Neufeld, the City’s manager of parks planning and development.

Maple Ridge’s Artist in Residence Program supports artists who lead community engagement projects intended to build local pride and bring creative activities into neighbourhoods, parks and public facilities.

Participating artists receive live-work studio space for approximately three years in exchange for completing a minimum number of approved community engagement activities.

The program is administered through the city’s recreation services department.

The two new crosswalks are now part of Memorial Peace Park’s public landscape, providing a permanent addition to a space that hosts some of Maple Ridge’s most prominent community events.

More information about the project and other public art installations is available through the city’s public art website.