The Park Ridge City Council has approved a mural program, which will allow murals on public buildings throughout the city. The decision came during the council meeting on August 3, with the program passing by a narrow 4-2 vote. This program aims to promote civic pride by allowing art to be displayed on public structures, subject to approval from City Hall.

The cost and maintenance of these murals will be the responsibility of the building owners. City staff spent several months working on the definition between what constitutes a sign and what qualifies as art. The newly approved ordinance defines a sign as containing ‘letters, products, logos, and similar elements.’ If these elements are related to the business on the property, the project is classified as signage, not a mural.

Murals cannot include elements that are related to the business on the property. Currently, there are existing standards for signs. The mural program applies only to public buildings like schools and park offices, and any private building will require separate approval for signage.

The proposal moved smoothly through the Planning and Zoning Commission. Community Preservation and Development Director Drew Awsumb noted there was no public commentary at the August 3 meeting.

Alderperson Lauren Rapisand expressed concerns about the mural definition. She cited District 64, a local school district, that might want to include a logo in a mural and worried the mascot, a wildcat, could be banned. Awsumb explained that mascots without lettering likely would not be considered signage. He suggested schools would not face challenges meeting criteria, as murals would typically promote local history and character.

The distinction of signage prevents public buildings from becoming advertisement spaces for businesses. Awsumb believed schools promoting mascots and activities should have no issue. He expressed confidence that city approval would not hinder projects focusing on school history or significant figures.

Alderperson Joseph Steinfels, who attended related planning meetings, thought the regulations were manageable. He believed creative depictions at schools, such as a tiger playing sports, would not be restricted. Alderperson Kelly Lawrence inquired about the usage of the Park Ridge city logo. The logo would classify as a sign under current regulations. Despite these discussions, the council ultimately approved the program.

Jesse Wright contributed this report as a freelance journalist for Pioneer Press.