KEARNEY, Neb. — A local volunteer group is inviting residents to help reshape downtown Kearney with new public art focused on creativity and safety.

Kearney for People-Oriented Places, also known as K-POP, is launching a crosswalk mural contest that will place community-designed artwork at several downtown intersections.

Organizers say the goal is to brighten public spaces, increase pedestrian visibility, and encourage people to spend more time downtown.

Three themes have been selected for the project: Kearney’s railroad history, the natural landscape of the Great Plains, and what residents value most about living in the community.

The group says the project builds on previous efforts to bring more walkable, people-focused design to downtown streets.

“We’re just a bunch of volunteers that really want to improve our community in little steps. We're trying to show what simple things we can do to liven up our community and bring joy for all users, not just people in automobiles but pedestrians, people on scooters, or bikes as well,” said K-POP leader Jakob Vohnout Larchick.

Organizers also say the murals are designed to help make crosswalks more visible to drivers, especially in busy areas where pedestrian safety can be an issue.

“Most of the times when you're walking down here, you see vehicles parking partially in the crosswalks, blocking it,” said Larchick. “It makes it very difficult to cross the street, especially if someone’s in a wheelchair or using a walker.”

Larchick added that the contest wouldn't be possible without the help from both the Downtown Improvement Board and city administrators.

Community members can submit design ideas through the end of May. Entries can be emailed, dropped off at City Hall, or brought to a K-POP meeting. More information can be found here.

Downtown businesses will help review submissions and select final designs in June.

Painting is expected to take place in phases over the summer months.

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