Painting Safer Streets

A student-designed street mural is transforming a stretch of Martin Luther King Boulevard outside STEAM at Dr. King Elementary. The mural is meant to blend art, safety and community pride.

Announced by Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, the temporary pavement mural is part of a federally funded “Reconnecting Communities” planning effort aimed at improving connectivity across Syracuse’s South Side as the Interstate 81 viaduct is set to come down.

Designed by fifth-grade students, the mural reflects themes of excellence, growth and peace, while also serving as a colorful approach to slowing traffic and making the area safer for everyone in the community.

What began as a classroom idea quickly became a community-wide effort. Volunteers, families, students and local partners, including SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, SMTC, Blueprint 15, Centro and the Syracuse Housing Authority, came together to bring the project to life.

“We had families, students, and even people just passing by stop to help paint,” said Dr. King Elementary Art Teacher Andrea Buckvold. “I think everybody sees this as something really positive, to slow traffic and beautify the neighborhood.”

As part of a broader initiative to reimagine South Side corridors, the project highlights how low-cost, community-driven solutions can create safer and more connected neighborhoods.

Video and story produced by Matt Moyer and Kayla Breen.