In a show of support for public art and community engagement, the Battle Ground City Council expressed enthusiasm for a mural project proposed for the Battle Ground Skate Park, a first-of-its-kind project for the city.
The mural, designed by local artist and Central Washington University student Will Sykes, aims to beautify the park while inspiring locals. Council members agreed to move forward with collaboration between the artist and the Parks and Community Engagement (PACE) Advisory Board. A final motion will come before the council at a later date.
Sykes presented his past work, shared his design and explained his process and motivation to the council during a Monday, May 5 meeting. A regular at the local skate park, Sykes said he first noticed the ongoing vandalism in January, the same month he emailed his mural proposal to PACE. Professional murals, he explained, help deter vandalism, which increases the city’s maintenance costs.
“I was at the skate park myself. I saw recently covered up graffiti and vandalism, and I was like, ‘man, all I want to do is paint,’ but I want to go about it the right way,” Sykes said. “A big reason why I suggested a really well done, professional mural is because art commands respect and I think that’s exactly what I can do here.”
Sykes’ concept features bold, vivid tigers against a lightning-charged backdrop, which he plans to install on the 37-by-10-foot dome at the back of the skate park. He estimated the work will take seven to nine days, though he expects to finish sooner.
“If y’all can see me, I am shaking with excitement,” he said. “I just cannot wait to get started.”
Council members’ interest went beyond the skate park dome, with some expressing support for expanding city-commissioned murals to other sites. Council member Cherish DesRochers asked Sykes if he’d be willing to return for more art in the future.
“Absolutely,” he responded. “When I first approached them I was 100% prepared to paint the entire skate park.”
The mural project’s timing may benefit Battle Ground’s future art-related projects. City staff are currently exploring the creation of a broader public art program for Battle Ground, though no official plan has been released.
“We do think there’s great potential for that program,” Deputy City Manager Robert Ferrier explained. “We believe that a mural at the skate park would be a good first step in that direction, a good demonstration project if you will, something that can prime the pump for things to come.”
City staff will now prepare a timeline and agreement with the artist. The mural’s estimated $1,000 cost will be covered by the city’s Public Works Operations budget.
