Adams County’s Love Your Trails campaign makes bike lanes more scenic

Written by Bill Plock

October 25, 2022 – Cycling on these days has become more colorful and interesting thanks to several initiatives over the years to include murals on paths and overpasses.

Adams County recently completed such an initiative with the latest mural Sophie Ramirez. We ran into her finishing the last leg east of Sheridan on the Clear Creek Bike Trail and had a quick chat with her.

She is part of a group of fifteen artists commissioned by Adams County. She uses cement stain rather than paint to create her art. She said the stain penetrates the pores of the concrete better, will last longer and won’t be as slippery when wet.

Sophie says to her site, “I believe in the power of art to transform spaces, manage emotions and start conversations. I deeply value my public art practice because it gives me the largest and most inclusive platform for my work. I hope that my art can be a catalyst for greater understanding and celebration of diversity. At the same time, looking into human nature in a way that opens a window into constructive self-reflection for me and my viewers.”

Art by Anna Charney

Art by Angela Beloyan

Adams County has launched two campaigns to bridge the gap between public art, outdoor recreation and wellness while providing access and emphasizing expanding parks, open spaces and a publicly accessible trail system.

I love my trails is a series of ground murals dedicated to the natural beauty of the county. Artists participating in the program embraced the challenges of working outdoors and found new ways to engage audiences. The murals run 18 miles from Fishing is Fun Pond at Riverdale Regional Park in Brighton along the South Platte River Trail and Clear Creek Trail all the way to Sheridan Boulevard.

“Parks are democratic spaces – they are free to all, reflect the demographic diversity of our county, and are places for social and cultural interaction,” said Adams County Chairwoman Lynn Baca.

Participation in cultural activities connects people to each other and to social institutions, providing pathways to other forms of participation. In this way, art and culture can create opportunities for self-expression, public dialogue and shared cultural experiences.

“The physical environment is linked to mental and emotional well-being in more ways than one,” Baca said. “The spaces where we live and play create the context of our lives.”

For more information on all artworks and artists go HERE

Here’s a fun video from Adams County