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City of Reno Debuts New Asphalt Mural Pilot Project to Improve Pedestrian Safety
Located at Yori Avenue and Roberts Street, near Libby Booth Elementary School
Post Date:08/06/2025 9:33 a.m.The City of Reno is launching an innovative pilot project aimed at increasing pedestrian safety through public art. A new asphalt mural and pedestrian bulb-outs have been installed at the intersection of Yori Avenue and Roberts Street, adjacent to Libby Booth Elementary School. This is the first project of its kind in the City, as it’s the only mural painted directly on asphalt and designed specifically to enhance pedestrian safety.
Media is invited to attend a mural unveiling on Friday, August 8, at 12:30 p.m. with Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve, Ward 3 Councilmember Miguel Martinez, local artist Nathaniel Benjamin, and Libby Booth Elementary School Principal Mary Culpepper.
"I am so proud of our incredible Public Works and Arts & Culture teams for coming together to create something truly special for Reno,” said Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve. “This project is a creative solution that helps keep our residents, especially our kids, safe as they travel on our roads and sidewalks.”
Students from Libby Booth Elementary contributed to the mural’s final design by submitting creative entries that envisioned many ways of getting to school. Entries included a variety of transportation modes, such as spaceships, teleportation, school buses, dolphins, and more.
The mural was painted by local artist Nathaniel Benjamin, a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno. He creates murals throughout the Great Basin Desert region and is a founding member of Laika Press, a community printmaking space in Reno. He previously worked on a sidewalk painting project at Anderson Elementary to help raise awareness about safe crossings near schools.
The mural project was funded with $11,600 from the City’s Street Fund. Costs covered include paint, supplies, and the artist’s fee.
