City of Lone Tree Adopts a Public Art Plan to Integrate Art Throughout Shared Spaces
What makes a place feel like home? What is that magical, special ingredient that makes a place feel like somewhere you want to linger, gather, and return to again and again? In Lone Tree, the answer has always included thoughtful planning, beautiful open spaces, and a strong commitment to the arts. Now, with the adoption of the City’s new Public Art Plan, Lone Tree is taking the next step in shaping how residents and visitors experience the City’s shared spaces.
The Public Art Plan establishes a long-term roadmap for how art will be thoughtfully integrated throughout Lone Tree. More than simply placing sculptures or murals, the plan emphasizes placemaking: creating welcoming, memorable environments that reflect the City’s identity and bring people together.
What Is Public Art?
Public art is artwork created for shared spaces – places we all pass through, gather, and experience together. It can take many forms, from sculptures and murals to interactive installations, light-based works, or artist-designed elements like benches or bike racks. Unlike art in a museum or gallery, public art is free, accessible, and woven into everyday life. At its best, public art reflects the character of a community, sparks curiosity and conversation, and transforms ordinary places into memorable ones.
A Vision for Public Art in Lone Tree
Lone Tree’s Comprehensive Plan, Lone Tree Elevated, already calls for vibrant public spaces and this new Public Art Plan provides one framework to make that vision visible and enduring. Through surveys, workshops, and conversations, input from the community consistently expressed pride in Lone Tree’s arts and culture and strong support for expanding public art in ways that feel thoughtful, high-quality, and connected to our community. Many residents described public art as a key ingredient in what makes Lone Tree feel elevated, welcoming, and distinct from surrounding communities.
While Lone Tree has not previously had a formal public art program, art is already part of the City’s landscape. More than 30 permanent works – ranging from sculptures and murals to utility box wraps – are located throughout parks, neighborhoods, and civic spaces. The new Public Art Plan builds on this momentum, ensuring that future investments are coordinated, intentional, and aligned with the City’s long-term goals.
What Residents Can Expect to See
As the plan is implemented over the coming years, residents will begin to see a broader range of public art across Lone Tree. The plan identifies three primary types of artwork:
- Iconic, Large-Scale Art
Signature pieces that serve as landmarks or gateways—often located in high-visibility areas such as major corridors, civic centers, or future destination districts.
- Neighborhood and Pedestrian-Scale Art
Smaller, approachable works designed to enrich everyday experiences along trails, in parks, and within neighborhoods. These pieces may include sculptures, functional art like benches or bike racks, and playful, interactive elements.
- Temporary and Event-Based Art
Rotating installations, murals, and art-based events that bring energy and experimentation to public spaces. Temporary art allows for creativity, community engagement, and opportunities to spotlight local and regional artists.
A Future Filled with Creativity
The Public Art Plan outlines clear policies for how artists are selected, how projects are funded, and how artworks are maintained. The Lone Tree Arts Commission will continue to play a key advisory role, and community members will have opportunities to participate through engagement activities and selection panels. Importantly, the plan emphasizes partnershipsworking alongside developers, special districts, regional agencies, and private donors to expand impact while being fiscally responsible.
Over time, this new Public Art Plan will help shape spaces that invite curiosity, spark conversation, and strengthen the sense of connection that already defines the community. As the City grows, public art will help ensure that Lone Tree’s public spaces remain not only beautiful, but meaningful markers of our community’s identity.