Public pathways can pose a danger to pedestrians, especially if they were not constructed properly from the beginning. According to Nigel Aitken, Community Project Manager, “The pathway between Sea Vista and St Francis Bay was dangerous, not only because people were being mugged but also because the path gets muddy when it rains and people slip.” The need for a pathway was identified at a police sector meeting where problems with the existing pathway were highlighted.
“Once we had the go-ahead, we wanted to get the community involved. We considered murals but there are no municipal boundary walls along the pathway to paint, so we opted instead to invite children from all local schools to enter an art competition, with the idea of using the artworks as a basis for mosaics,” said Nigel.
They were thrilled to receive more than 200 entries from tiny tots to high school children. “The selected artworks were converted into long-lasting mosaic tile designs and would be placed along the pathway for all, including the young artists to see and enjoy,” explained Nigel.
Supported by the Kouga Wind Farm Community Development Trust, they also identified a number of women from Sea Vista to take part in the project. Guided by Burcu Cunneen, Turkish Artist, the women were taught how to create colourful mosaics which would be used to make the pathway safer and more beautiful.
