Project overview

Created in front of the Newton Community Center, A Place to Grow transformed a section of Newton Street into a colorful expression of community identity and shared responsibility.

The asphalt mural features a bold honeycomb pattern filled with flowers, bees, and the words “A Place to Grow.” Beyond adding beauty to the neighborhood, the artwork was designed to draw drivers’ attention to an area where children and families regularly move between the community center and the neighboring park.

This student-led project was developed by Salisbury University’s Presidential Citizen Scholars through the Institute for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement. The students spent three semesters researching a local issue, listening to residents, and working alongside community partners to create a practical and lasting response.

A design shaped by the community

Before paint touched the street, the Presidential Citizen Scholars gathered input through interviews, surveys, school events, site visits, and neighborhood block parties. Residents expressed concerns about speeding and pedestrian safety near the Newton Community Center.

Those conversations shaped both the purpose and appearance of the mural. Local ideas and artwork were incorporated into the design, ensuring the finished piece reflected the neighborhood rather than simply being placed within it.

We Are Limitless Studios worked with the students, the City of Salisbury, and community members to translate that shared vision into a large-scale street mural that was welcoming, visible, and functional.

Painting together

Dozens of Salisbury residents joined students and project partners to help bring the mural to life. Working side by side, participants transformed ordinary asphalt into a vibrant public space that celebrates growth, connection, and neighborhood pride.

The collaborative painting process reflected the spirit of the project itself: community members identifying a challenge, developing a solution, and taking part in creating it.

Art with a purpose

Research into asphalt art and traffic-calming installations suggests that highly visible street artwork can interrupt the visual monotony of a roadway and encourage drivers to become more aware of their surroundings.

For the Newton Street community, that means the mural serves two connected purposes. It celebrates Salisbury as “A Place to Grow” while reminding motorists that children, families, and neighbors share this space.

The project also gave Salisbury University students hands-on experience in civic leadership. They moved beyond classroom study to work directly with residents, local government, nonprofit partners, and a professional muralist.

“The community was involved, Salisbury University was involved, and everybody was able to work together to make it happen.”
— Rachel Manning, Community Relations Manager, City of Salisbury

Lasting community impact

A Place to Grow demonstrates what can happen when public art begins with listening. The finished mural is not only a colorful addition to Newton Street. It is a student-led civic project, a neighborhood gathering point, a tool for safer streets, and a visible reminder that residents can help shape the places they call home.

The project later received statewide recognition as part of a Baltimore Sun feature examining how Maryland colleges are expanding their impact through community service and civic engagement.

Credits

Student project leaders: Salisbury University Presidential Citizen Scholars
Featured scholars: Jalen Hammond, Kailah Caliskan, and Marissa McGrath
Program coordinator: Ryan Weaver
Community partner: Rachel Manning, City of Salisbury
Professional mural partner: Brandon Bell, We Are Limitless Studios
Participating organizations: Salisbury University, Institute for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement, City of Salisbury, ShoreCorps/AmeriCorps, and the Newton Street community

Press

• “New community mural finds home on Newton St.” — WMDT 47ABC

• “Maryland Colleges Expand Their Reach Through Community Service Programs” page 8 — The Baltimore Sun, February 1, 2026