By Gari Voss
Wayland has been encouraging the designing of colorful murals around the city. In that frame, alleys have been brought to life using colorful designs and images. What has been termed the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) alley or the alley behind the hotel became the recipient of a pathway that would assist residents and visitors in utilizing this mini road.
The design of the alley pathway is reminiscent of the road to find the Emerald City or the path in the Candyland game. Thanks to volunteers from the Wayland DDA, Economic Vitality, and teens in the MI Rehabilitation Services, Government Education Program from Holland, the path was completed on July 16, 2023. This coincided with Bike Night (motorcycles) and Music on Main Street that evening.
Those who participated in creating the mural down the alley were delighted that they were able to develop a unique piece of art that would assist people in getting around town. The Youth Program participants had been working with Director Cole Lutz to clean and plant gardens, collect refuge and paint to beautify the city. The three high school students represented Wayland, Hopkins and Martin and were proud of the skills they utilized during the alleyway project.
But there were several young people from the Wayland community who did not understand or appreciate the work of the painters. In the later afternoon of Monday, July 24th, Cheryl Baugh caught young teens dressed in yellow work vests writing graffiti messages in black spray paint along the path.
Acting quickly, Kristen Engel from City Hall called the police, and the offenders were apprehended.
Holli McPherson, Downtown Development Authority Executive Director, shared, “The mural path looks like the Candyland path. As a government entity, we stay away from religious or political messages. These young people obviously did not understand this. For whatever reason, they do not know the difference between rainbows and randomly colored lines. Those who painted the alley mural and other city residents were horrified.”
Though saddened by the vandalism, the Work Program youth returned the path to its original colors. The incident remains under investigation with consequences being considered.
Plans have already been initiated to create more murals around the city. The high school art teacher will work with students to enhance electrical boxes and the lighting landscape. A professional artist has been contracted to create a mural for the Firehouse thanks to a grant from the Allegan County Community Foundation (ACCF).
The City of Wayland has been working with the Main Street Program to revitalize the city. This includes not only the visual enhancement, but the entertainment offerings. The many summer events of Chalk on the Sidewalk, Bike Nights, Music on Main, and Concerts in the Park are just a few of the offerings to bring the residents and visitors of Wayland together to enjoy the city.