Greeley plans to add a touch of creativity to its downtown streets.
The city will install about 50 new manhole covers with creative designs by a local artist in and around downtown pedestrian areas.
A design contest drew 14 submissions, and the winner will be announced later this month after a selection committee decides on April 21.
According to the Greeley Tribune, judges include members of Greeley’s Art Commission, two representatives from Greeley’s water department, City Councilwoman Sandi Elder and a local artist.
Kim Snyder, Greeley’s public art coordinator, said this is the first time Greeley will insert art into its manhole covers. The practice is common in cities all around the United States, she said, but especially in Japan.
Snyder told the Tribune the covers will cost about $200 each and the contest winner will also earn a $1,000 prize.
The city of Greeley is funding the contest through its One Percent for Art program, which dedicates 1 percent of all capital projects conducted in the city to artistic displays throughout Greeley.
