Stairway to Health:City of Tallahassee uses art to inspire and encourage exercise
Photo courtesy of the City of Tallahassee
By Heather Teter
Special to the Outlook
Several months ago, the employee stairwell in Tallahassee’s City Hall could easily be described as ordinary. It was beige, uninspiring and rarely saw any foot traffic. Looking past the stairwell’s drab appearance, however, City Commissioner Nancy Miller and local teenager Maia Hannahs saw an opportunity.
Together, Commissioner Miller and Maia came up with the idea to paint a colorful mural in the stairwell to liven it up and entice City employees to take the stairs instead of riding the elevator.
“Studies from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention have found that by enhancing the appearances of stairwells, businesses have increased stair use by more than 50 percent,” Commissioner Miller said. “By making our own Stairway to Health, we can create a destination in City Hall that appeals to the eyes and the feet of employees.”
Maia, a local teen with a passion for art who recently graduated from Rickards High School, recruited some of her friends to help paint the mural. On weekends, they got together and began transforming the utilitarian stairwell into a beautiful, vibrant attraction.
The two-story painting depicts the natural environment and native wildlife of Florida. The scene begins under the water at the bottom of the stairs and transitions to dry land as it makes its way upward. Some of the life-like animals featured include dolphins, manatees, alligators, otters, herons and panthers.
Brian Smatt, the City of Tallahassee’s Wellness Coordinator, has noticed an increased use of the stairs. He credits the addition of the mural, noting that it has received accolades from many employees.
“Each time you walk up or down the stairs, you see something different – whether it’s the second or seventeenth time,” Commissioner Miller said. “There are so many details that have been painted into the mural; it really is an adventure taking the stairs now.”
