Skaters and art enthusiasts had a field day at Sacramento's 28th and B Street Skate Park this past Saturday, as the community came together for a blend of creativity and recreation. The event, touted as a free paint-and-skate day, kicked off at 1 p.m. and lasted until 4 p.m., offering locals the chance to collaborate on a new mural while enjoying the skate park's facilities.
"Art and recreation go hand-in-hand, and this free family event is a great way to celebrate both," the City's Art in Public Places Manager Donald Gensler, expressed in a recent announcement. The Sacramento City Express reported that participants had the opportunity to work alongside ORLUarts artist Liv Unger to paint a mural for the ticket booth, tying into her upcoming vinyl piece, "The Living Balance."
The Sacramento City Express detailed that the planned artwork was meant to resonate with elements from Unger's “The Living Balance,” and all painting supplies were provided to volunteers. While some added their touch to the mural, others enjoyed free skate sessions, and the park remained operational until its regular closing time at 8:45 p.m.
Skaters looking to hit the ramps were reminded to sign a waiver, a process that could be completed online, ensuring that the paint-splattered festivities met safety protocols. According to the Sacramento City Express, "Those who are skating must sign a waiver, which can be completed online." Drawing support from the City of Sacramento’s Office of Arts and Culture through the Art in Public Places program and partly funded by a State of California grant, the event also served as an initiative under the City’s Youth, Parks, and Community Enrichment Department.
Interested participants were encouraged to register before the event using an online platform, setting the stage for a community-focused outing that aimed to foster connections between residents through the act of collective creation and shared love for skating. The City of Sacramento's integration of public art into a community space illustrates a seamless convergence of cultural and recreational landscapes.
