PORTLAND, Ore. — Neighbors came together on Sunday to paint the largest street mural in Portland. Dozens of volunteers painted the mural in the St. Johns Neighborhood of North Portland.
One of those volunteers included Arlo Rosenthal-Parker, a student at James John Elementary.
"I just like to see all the colors come together when you finish it," said Arlo. "And the paints just really fun."
Arlo said that she's having fun painting an image of the St. John's Bridge on the street, "It's going to be really cool once it's done."
Arlo and other volunteers from the community are painting a mural on Charleston Avenue between Central Avenue, Central Street and Lombard Street.
"Five years ago, almost to the day — we were out here painting this original design. That was a combination of James John, Wayfinding Academy at the time and the Montessori House. And the library is kind of coming together to create this space," said Jay Longfellow, a art teacher.
It's the largest street mural of its kind in the city and part of the new greenway in the neighborhood.
"We expanded it along with turning this into the greenway," said Longfellow. "So they're also going to be adding in more bike route stuff."
Parents hope the new mural and upcoming street changes will make the area safer.
"You know it's our neighborhood school. It's our neighborhood street. And we're doing what we can to make it nice and try to slow the traffic down a little bit," said Stan Barter, a parent of one of the students.
The parents also hope it will continue to give the children a sense of pride for their community.
"They've been walking by this mural for years and It's been eroding and fading out," said Brandon Sackett, a parent. "And they get to do it together — It's kind of a place where all the kids gather, they see it and get excited about school."