The project at Anderson Park began as a cleanup but turned into a beautification effort when a park neighbour suggested that student artists could cover up graffiti on the ramps
Esquimalt High School students Astrid Defeudis and Maya Seebaron put finishing touches on artwork decorating the skateboard ramps at neighbouring Anderson Park on Tuesday, in advance of a “grand reveal” later in the day.
The pair created the designs and were assisted by 10 other students in painting them on the ramps’ bare concrete, starting at the end of May.
The skateboard area and adjoining benches are known by students as “The Pit,” which is a popular meeting place at lunchtime and after school, said art teacher Omdrea Walker, who oversaw the effort.
Astrid said the project began as a cleanup but turned into a beautification effort when a park neighbour suggested that student artists could cover up the graffiti that was beginning to appear.
Astrid and Maya helped supervise the other painters, who sometimes took part in after-school sessions, Walker said.
Astrid said she included some of the local cats in the design. “There’s a cat named Ola who comes into the school, and everyone likes her. There’s a life-sized painting of her with her name written beside it.”
Maya said her main contribution is an ocean-themed design, and she is happy to know it could be there for years to come.
Esquimalt council provided an $1,800 grant for the project, while municipal staff cleaned and prepped the surfaces to be painted.
Walker said the students put a lot of time and effort into the finished product, using exterior latex and spray paint. “It’s a great legacy for them to leave,” she said. “It’s been pretty exciting and rewarding for the students.”
Imagery in the paintings also reflects Indigenous and LGBTQ rights, she said.
Anderson Park is also home to a community garden that includes sheds decorated with murals created by Esquimalt High School students last year. The garden is maintained by the Anderson Park Community Garden Society.
Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins called the new student paintings “a great addition” to the park.
“The activation of that park has been incredible over the last few years,” she said. “There’s the community garden, an upgraded playground area and now this.
“It’s going to be a fantastic gathering place.”
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