Town of Simsbury to Host Community Event to Paint Rainbow Walkway

On October 11, 2019, the Town of Simsbury will host a community event for the painting of a new rainbow art installation on the East Coast Greenway near the Simsbury Performing Arts Center, in celebration of Simsbury’s LGBTQ+ community.

The rainbow trail art installation will replace the temporary rainbow crosswalk that was installed at the entrance to the Performing Arts Center in the summer of 2019.  The event will take place from 1:00-3:00pm on Friday, October 11, which is National Coming Out Day, on Iron Horse Boulevard near the entrance to the Performing Arts Center and Rotary Park.  It is free and open to all members of the public.  In the event of rain or other inclement weather, the event will be held on Monday, October 14 from 1:00-3:00pm in the same location.

“We are so excited to join together to create a piece of art that celebrates the diversity of our community,” said Eric Wellman, First Selectman. “We hope that this installation sends a message about the kind of community Simsbury strives to be – one where everyone who lives here, visits here, works here, or learns here feels fully welcome to bring and be their whole selves.” Cheryl Cook, Board of Selectmen member and Chair of Community for Care, agreed. “Building cohesiveness as a community takes work, and symbols matter. If this installation makes at least one person know that they're welcome here in Simsbury, then we've done the right thing.”

In June, the Board of Selectmen issued a proclamation in support of LGBTQ+ pride month and unanimously supported the installation of the temporary rainbow crosswalk.  Following the installation, the Town received numerous inquiries as to whether the rainbow crosswalk could be made permanent. In August, the Board unanimously endorsed the concept of a permanent installation. The Town solicited public input on the design; several submissions were received.  The final design reflects a blend of multiple submissions.