Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Downtown Foley has a striking new look that residents and visitors are sure to notice. Seven vibrant crosswalk murals now span key intersections in the city center. The project combines eye-catching public art with a serious aim of making streets safer for pedestrians. These installations represent a major step forward in the city's efforts to enhance the downtown experience.

The murals were completed in February and March and funded through a Main Street Alabama grant. Local artist Ragan Windsor was commissioned to design the series, which she described as "colorful and eclectic." Her goal was to create artwork that would inspire happiness in anyone who walked or drove past.

Windsor said the response during the installation was quick and heartfelt. People passing by told her the crosswalks made them "feel joy." In a memorable moment, a young girl in a butterfly dress spotted a butterfly design on one of the murals and broke into an excited dance right there.

The project isn't just about making downtown more attractive. Scientific research supports the use of art to slow traffic and safeguard pedestrians. A study by Bloomberg Philanthropies found that decorative asphalt art can reduce crashes involving pedestrians and other vulnerable road users by 50%.

The Bloomberg study also found that "at unsignalized intersections, there was a greater frequency of drivers immediately yielding to crossing pedestrians." The colorful designs serve as visual alerts, encouraging drivers to slow down and pay closer attention to their surroundings. Safety experts say that increasing the visibility of pedestrian spaces is one of the most effective tools available.

The seven murals are strategically placed at selected locations throughout the downtown district. These include the crosswalk at W. Orange and S. Alston, the east-to-west crosswalk at N. Alston Ave. at W. Jessamine, and the north-to-south crosswalk at W. Jessamine and N. Alston. Additional murals are located at the alleyway crosswalk at W. Jessamine and Hwy 59, as well as the alleyway crosswalk on Laurel Ave. between Hwy 59 and the Post Office.

Two additional murals complete the series. One is the alleyway crosswalk at W. Orange and W. Myrtle. The other features two public parking entrance and exit crosswalks at W. Laurel and W. Jessamine. Each location was chosen for its maximum impact on pedestrian safety and foot traffic flow.

Beyond traffic safety, community researchers say public art projects like this one can strengthen the bond between local government and the residents who live and work nearby. The process of creating and installing urban art tends to foster a shared sense of pride in public spaces. For a city like Foley, that sense of community connection is a key part of what the project aims to achieve.

Foley Main Street, the organization behind the initiative, focuses on strengthening the economic and cultural vitality of the downtown area. The Foley Main Street Community Foundation supported the project as part of its broader mission to promote historic, educational, and cultural improvements in the district. Officials say efforts like this are proven to have a positive economic effect on downtown corridors.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to walk through downtown Foley and enjoy the murals firsthand. The artwork is free to view and easy to locate along the district's main streets and alleyways. City leaders hope the project will motivate more people to spend time downtown and see the area in a whole new way.