What is the Sidewalk Poetry Project?

The Sidewalk Poetry Project is an interactive public art initiative designed to imprint poems into city parks’ sidewalks.

The project embeds short poems into sidewalks whenever new concrete is poured, allowing residents and visitors to encounter poetry in public parks around Costa Mesa while creating a permanent literary presence in the community and making poetry accessible for all.

CALL FOR POEMS

As part of a collaboration between the city’s public works’ and parks and community services departments, the City of Costa Mesa is accepting short poem entries for the Sidewalk Poetry Project from residents and individuals with connections and ties to Costa Mesa.

There are two new park renovations in progress for the year 2026; Ketchum-Libolt Park and Shalimar Park. The city is looking for new poems to imprint into new concrete at each park. Each park has a unique theme to guide the Call for Poems process.

Ketchum-Libolt Park: All writers/poets/ages are invited to submit poetry for consideration.

Themes: Community, Heroism, Duty, Safety, Service

Application Opens: April 10, 2026

Application Deadline: April 27, 2026

Downloadable Flyer

Shalimar Park: Teens (13-18 years of age) are invited to submit poetry for consideration.

Themes: Youth, Athleticism, Love, Family, Teamwork

Application Opens: July 1, 2026

Application Deadline: August 5, 2026

Both Parks:

• No previous experience or publication is necessary
• The poem must be the original work of the entrant (published or unpublished)
• Must be a resident, work in, or attend school in Costa Mesa
• Applicants may submit one poem per park
• Subject matter must be appropriate for the public 
• All applications must be submitted by the end of day for each deadline

• Short poem submissions may be free form or traditional short form, including Haiku, Distich, Cinquain, etc.
• Poems must be no more than five (5) lines (including title if applicable) with a maximum of 32 characters including spaces per line, and 160 characters overall (including spaces)
• Poems in languages other than English must be accompanied by an English translation
• One (1) entry per individual may be submitted for the Call for Poems; no team entries are permitted

• Selected poets will receive monetary compensation of a $150 stipend
• Selected poems will also be recognized on the City’s website and on public art maps