Fun Facts
Q.Why do manhole covers have a design or pattern?
A. The reason for designs or patterns on a manhole cover is for traction for both pedestrian and vehicles.
About Program
The citizens of the City of Saint Paul truly define the character of the city—a place seeped in history, culture, ethnic heritage and rich tradition. They are creative, talented people with strong values, a welcoming spirit and an immense pride in their community.
The residents of Saint Paul today share these same characteristics with the people that built the City of St. Paul over 100 years ago. Their hands have built the landmarks, the neighborhoods, the industry, the arts and the entertainment. From that solid foundation, their hands continue to shape the history of the city as if to say, “We were here.”
Much like the generations before them pressed their palms into the freshly poured concrete on the sidewalk; we want to give today’s citizens of Saint Paul their chance to make their indelible mark through this project. The best way to represent the multi-generational, diverse, proud residents of St. Paul is to give them the opportunity to have a Hand in History.
The first series of four manhole covers have been created with a small selection of random handprints that were used to create larger images using a dot or stipple pattern, similar to that of the impressionist painters or today’s modern printing methods. The handprints have been incorporated into designs that best symbolize and reflect the uniqueness of the City in categories that have been chosen to reflect the uniqueness of the City of Saint Paul. They are as follows:
- Arts & Culture
- Environmental
- Historic Landmark
Sports & Entertainment