October 30, 2024 - The City of Ann Arbor is announcing the completion of two murals celebrating the city's bicentennial! Painted on the basketball courts at Leslie and Bicentennial parks, the murals were designed and installed by local artists, Amanda Humphrey and Joe Trumpey. “There are many aspects of Ann Arbor that could have been areas of focus," said Humphrey and Trumpey, “but we chose a more abstract and metaphorical representation of our city evolving over time with the river that changes as it flows into the foreground. The skyline features centers of art, culture, education and residential life; the burr oaks, the Huron River, and chimney swifts are a nod to the natural world that is integral to Ann Arbor."
Community members were invited to submit proposals for mural designs that recognized the past, present and future of the community and celebrated 200 years of Ann Arbor. The Ann Arbor Bicentennial Murals Committee narrowed down the submissions to three finalists, which were then included in a public vote that received more than 2,100 responses and resulted in the selection of Humphrey and Trumpey's design. The Ann Arbor community was also involved in the installation process through three volunteer painting days organized by the artists and GIVE 365, the Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation volunteer and outreach program.
“We are thrilled to join the celebration of Ann Arbor's bicentennial with these vibrant murals in the parks," said Parks & Recreation Services Deputy Manager Scott Spooner. "The installations also mark the promise of a bright future for Ann Arbor. This project was a collaborative effort that brought together many different aspects of the community toward this common, creative goal. We thank the artists for their outstanding work, and we will proudly display these murals on the basketball courts at Leslie and Bicentennial parks, for all to enjoy."
Photos of one of the completed murals is posted on the project website. Additional images are available upon request.
Also, visit the A200 website to learn more about Ann Arbor's bicentennial celebrations.
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Ann Arbor voters will find the 2025–2044 Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Millage renewal proposal on the Nov. 5 General Election ballot. If passed, the renewed millage would continue funding park system enhancements, repairs and restoration for the next 20 years. The millage renewal proposal remains for 1.10 mills and does not pose an increase; the rate would remain the same as the millage that is expiring this year. Visit parks online for answers to frequently asked questions, to watch video vignettes about park updates and amenities, to learn about projects and activities funded through the current and past millages and much more.
