Yuma's Youth Unveil Vibrant Mural at Kennedy Skate Park

Yuma's Kennedy Skate Park is now home to a vibrant new mural, 'Toony High Jinks,' crafted by local students in partnership with Arizona@Work.

 

This playful, comic-inspired artwork features quirky cartoon characters racing and tumbling through a colorful landscape, capturing the dynamic energy of the skate park.

 

Skate-themed elements are cleverly woven into the design, reflecting the park's spirit.

 

Over the past 28 years, Yuma's summer mural program has produced approximately 30 murals across the city.

 

Many participants begin with little to no art experience.

 

The program starts with two weeks of intensive training, teaching foundational art techniques from color theory to shading.

 

Students then spend the remainder of the program creating a mural that beautifies the community and endures for years.

Arts Program Supervisor Cassandra Contreras emphasized the program's impact: "The summer mural program is a powerful way to involve youth in the beautification of our city. Through this experience, they develop art, communication, and teamwork skills, while also building a strong sense of purpose and community. What makes it especially meaningful is that the participants help inspire the mural concepts themselves. It becomes their voice on the wall."

 

Under the guidance of mural instructor Lisseth Carrillo and Arizona@Work assistant Sariah Garcia, this year's student artists include:

 

Orlando Gutierrez

 

Jesus De Loa

 

Aracely Hernandez

 

Eden Sweet

 

Adriel Felix

 

Sherman Acosta

 

Isaac Pedro

 

Eric Lime

 

Aaden Herrera

 

Instructor Carrillo shared her enthusiasm: "As the instructor, it's amazing for me to be part of a project where we give young people the opportunity to be part of something and to feel like they belong. I see so many of them in this group taking their role in the group very seriously. And as an artist, it's rewarding for me to inspire them to keep pursuing the arts, whether as a career path or just a hobby. What matters in the end is to keep art alive and accessible to our community."

 

Participant Jesus De Loa expressed his gratitude: "Contributing in the mural project really gave me a sense of joy for allowing us to add our own artwork onto such a significant landmark in Yuma. I have nothing but gratitude to our bosses for making this happen and to my team who worked diligently even under this hot weather."

 

The unveiling ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, July 30, at 10 a.m. at Kennedy Skate Park, located at 24th Street and Kennedy Lane.

 

The event is open to the public and free to attend.

 

Attendees can also enjoy the park's newly renovated facilities, including a new bowl, pump track, concrete halfpipe, and grind rails, all completed earlier this year.

 

These enhancements were made possible through community collaboration and funding from the American Rescue Plan Act and the hospitality tax.

 

For more information, contact the City of Yuma Parks and Recreation Department at (928) 373-5200.