Artist Opportunity – PPAC connects the Plainfield Park District and local artists with an opportunity to paint a kid's activity path on a sidewalk.

Plainfield Park District Unveils Fun Activities Path at Bott Park Painted by Local Muralist, Laura Campbell

Plainfield, Illinois — July 2025, The Plainfield Park District’s own Kandi Rich presented a new idea to the Plainfield Public Arts Council (PPAC) in hopes of connecting with a local artist to complete a new activities walking path. PPAC, was excited to share the opportunity with Members in its Artist Directory and connected interested artists in its directory with the Park District’s Director of Marketing and Community Outreach, Josh Hendricks for consideration. This vibrant, new interactive walking path – originally conceived by Ms. Rich then painted by selected PPAC Member Laura Campbell – was completed in early September and is now open to the public. The activities path invites community members of all ages to explore, play, and engage with art in a fresh, outdoor setting.

About the Activities Path
Commissioned by the Park District, the path features playful designs and creative markings that encourage movement, discovery, and creativity. Inspired by board games and outdoor activities, the path features imaginative and whimsical artwork, each element is crafted to spark joy and inspire physical activity.

Artist Statement
Laura Campbell is a local muralist, whose work often integrates themes of community, movement, and whimsy, says:“My hope is that this path becomes more than just pavement — that it’s a place where children laugh, families connect, and neighbors explore together.”

Location & Access
The path is located in Bott Park next to the District’s Prairie Activity & Recreation Center and is now open to the public during regular park hours. The Park District encourages everyone to come out and enjoy the path and experience the artwork firsthand.

 

Supporting Public Art in Plainfield
This installation marks an early example of the exciting possibilities when PPAC and local organizations like the Plainfield Park District work in tandem. PPAC’s mission is “to unite our community through the arts to celebrate diversity, creativity and inclusivity by sharing stories from our past and present to inspire the future.” Plainfield Public Arts Council Mayor John Argoudelis stated, “Public art like this public path reminds us that art isn’t just for galleries – it’s part of our everyday, and what turns simple spaces into places where community thrives.”

About Plainfield Public Arts Council
Founded in April 2024, PPAC is dedicated to making Plainfield a destination for public art by supporting artists, commissioning artwork, and fostering community connection through creativity. Meetings are held the last Thursday of each month. More information can be found at www.plainfieldpublicartscouncil.org.

Contact Information
Plainfield Public Arts Council
Email: info@plainfieldpublicartscouncil.org
Website: www.plainfieldpublicartscouncil.org

Laura Campbell - Plainfield, Illinois Muralist, plaints and Activities Path for the Plainfield Park District
Laura Campbell, Muralist, Plainfield, IL