The dome at Battle Ground Skate & Bike Park at Fairgrounds Park now bursts with bold colors and six fierce tigers thanks to the vision and volunteer work of Will Sykes, who completed the mural on Thursday, July 24.
The project began to take shape when Sykes, an art-minded Central Washington University computer science graduate who had moved to Battle Ground a month ago, visited the park last year and saw vandalism covering the skate park’s curved concrete dome.
Murals, Sykes explained, can both beautify the space and discourage tagging.
Sykes’ proposal gained traction after attending around eight Parks and Community Engagement (PACE) board meetings and working closely with city officials to get approval. Though the city provided $1,000 for supplies, the work itself was entirely volunteer.
The final design features six tiger heads, an homage to Battle Ground High School’s mascot, wrapping around the dome’s curvature with bright colors, sharp contrasts and arcs of lightning to match the energy of the space.
“I wanted something that would wrap around and be like an art piece in itself from any viewpoint,” Sykes said.
Sykes spent about 15 active painting days between July 7 and July 24, often working five hours each day.
The process was intensive, according to Sykes. He started by laying a squiggle grid, a reference system made of symbols and numbers, to scale his sketch to the surface. Then came background colors, lighting, and finally, tiger by tiger, the detailed focal points.
“I pretty much just started on each tiger and kind of treated it as its own art piece,” Sykes said.
“Each individual tiger [and] 100% just trying to get the dimensions right... once you get to the black [details] of the stripes of all these guys, that’s do or die.”
The unique dome shape further complicated the process. The left side’s downward curve forced Sykes into awkward positions and constant ladder readjustments.
Despite the challenges, Sykes said the community’s support kept him going. He remembers neighborhood kids and community members showing up regularly just to watch him paint.
“They asked their parents if they could come to the park just to come see me work,” he said. “I told my mom it felt like I was looking at my older self or my younger self.”
For Sykes, this mural was both a personal challenge and a way to give back to a town he’s grown increasingly connected to since moving in. His mom has lived in Battle Ground for the past three years, and Sykes would often visit the stake park during his visits.
“I guess I just wanted to prove to myself that I could commit to something this big and bring it to life,” he said. “I wanted to give something back to the community … and I think I did that.”
Though the mural is finished, Sykes had yet to apply the protective sealant as of press time.
Looking back, he said he’s proud of what he accomplished and grateful to the city for the opportunity.
“I just appreciate the city of Battle Ground,” Sykes said. “The council, the government, but also just the people for rocking me for this long and trusting me.”
Readers can see more of Sykes’ work at stylenuevo.com or on Instagram at @nuevo.wdb.
