Since the adoption of the award-winning 2021 Johnson County Park and Recreation District (JCPRD) Public Art Plan — developed by Via in collaboration with SWT Design — JCPRD’s Public Art Program has grown into a nationally recognized model for integrating art into facilities, parks, and natural spaces. Permanent public art installations have captured the hearts of countless parkgoers. Temporary installations and projects resulting from the Art + Natural Resources Residency are appreciated for their creative incorporation of nature. And the JCPRD Poster Project celebrates each park’s unique character through regional artists’ interpretations.

Via and SWT partnered with the JCPRD Public Art Team from 2025 to 2026 to develop a Public Art Master Plan Update that builds on five years of significant achievements, reflecting on lessons learned and charting an ambitious course for the program’s future.

The Plan Update continues to advance the vision established in 2021: that public art in JCPRD parks, trails, and facilities will inspire a deeper connection to place through interactive, immersive, and inclusive experiences. With an increased focus on expanding access to the arts throughout Johnson County, Kansas, the Plan Update identifies near- and long-term opportunities aligned with JCPRD’s Legacy Plan and Capital Improvement Plan. With JCPRD’s compelling and growing collection of artwork, the Plan Update also emphasizes the importance of strategic communications and programming to raise the Public Art Program’s profile, encourage park visitation, celebrate artists, and build awareness of JCPRD’s environmental stewardship role.

Learn more about the program.