The Wright’s Lake Park Community Mural, by GoodSpace Murals supports the City of Bloomington’s neighborhood focus area initiative, and the City and our non-profit partner Artistry’s creative placemaking efforts.

The mural is located on an approximately 2,800 square foot retaining wall, facing a major neighborhood street, a new bike route with regional connection, and Wright’s Lake Park, which the City recently renovated. At 490 feet long, it is one of the longest murals in Minnesota.

The mural development process included a community-led design process implemented by GoodSpace Mural’s bilingual staff, enabling the community to participate from inception to completion. It started with three design visioning sessions. Artists consolidated input from these sessions and research of the area’s history and community to inspire and develop a design. Then there was one design presentation for additional feedback of the draft design concept. Main themes include seasonal cycles, homes, paths/rivers, people walking, kids playing, and monkey bars symbolizing a strand of DNA and how we are all connected.

Next, a photo shoot took place at the Wright’s Lake Park playground where Bloomington kids served as models for the mural, then seven painting parties at events and locations throughout Bloomington, and a celebration event commemorating the completion of the mural. We partnered with Valley View Middle School students throughout the entire process.

The goals are to beautify the neighborhood and contribute to its identity, highlight the newly renovated Wright’s Lake Park and regional bike trail, and serve as an entry point and welcome into the City. The process of developing the mural built community and social agency through the engagement process. The mural represents our community, and instills a sense of community pride and ownership. It has also served as a demonstration project to elicit enthusiasm about potential future similar projects throughout the City.