Board backs forwarding of Oklahoma Monarch Society pollinator grant and mural plan to city council

The Board of Park Commissioners on Feb. 5 voted to recommend forwarding to city council a Pathways for Pollinators and People grant project from the Oklahoma Monarch Society that would install a pollinator garden and an 8‑by‑8 mural near City Hall.

Michelle Longback introduced the program and invited Stephanie Leland, marketing and communications for the Oklahoma Monarch Society, to explain the grant. Leland said the $11,000 grant covers about $2,000 for the mural (the artist is a board member who will offer reduced pricing) and roughly $9,000 for native plants, signage and community education. The project is funded in part by the Kirkpatrick Foundation and includes outreach through Okies for Monarchs and statewide collaborative partners.

Park planner Megan Phelan described the planned location on North Santa Fe Avenue adjacent to City Hall and the Abner Norman statue. The planting palette will use roughly 15–40 native species chosen for staggered bloom times to provide nectar throughout the growing season; designers said they will keep heights low and the design relatively “tamed” to fit a municipal frontage and sight‑line requirements.

Commissioners asked whether the mural would be painted directly on brick. Several members recommended mounting the artwork on a panel and attaching it in mortar joints rather than painting directly on historic brick; presenters agreed to investigate panel mounting for long‑term preservation. The board approved forwarding the project to city council by voice vote after a motion to recommend approval.

Next steps: staff will include the park commission’s recommendation when the project goes to city council; presenters will provide design samples and staff will confirm whether the mural will be mounted on a panel rather than painted directly on brick.