Port Townsend Secures Major Grant for New Skatepark Mural

The Port Townsend Creative District has been awarded a competitive capital projects grant from the Washington State Arts Commission (ArtsWA) to fund a site-specific mural at the Seamus Sims Skatepark. The $30,000 award contributes to a total project budget of $49,550 to support the creation of a permanent painted artwork at the downtown park. It will be the first public art commissioned by the city since 2014.

The project includes both the mural installation, created by a selected artist or artist team, and a community engagement process involving park users and residents. It is intended to build on the momentum of the Creative District, which recently marked its first year under City management.

Located at 250 Monroe Street, the 0.33-acre Seamus Sims Skatepark was originally built by the city in 2006 following years of youth advocacy for a designated skateboarding space. In 2024, the park was renamed in honor of Seamus Sims, a longtime advocate who led early efforts to establish it. Most recently, in 2025, solar-powered lighting was added after local high school student Samantha Stromberg campaigned to extend the park's hours of use.

With its prominent location along a main downtown corridor and adjacent to a public parking lot, the site offers high visibility. The mural is expected to become a signature visual landmark for both the Creative District and the broader community.

In addition to the $30,000 ArtsWA grant, project funding includes support from the City's Municipal Arts Fund, in-kind contributions from Parks and Facilities staff, and private donations. The skatepark remains part of the City's park system and is maintained by City staff.

A Request for Proposals (RFP) is scheduled for release in early April 2025. It will outline design parameters for approximately 1,700 square feet of mural space, including concrete walls, benches, and steps. Skateable surfaces will not be altered. Currently unfinished gray concrete, the park offers a blank canvas for artwork that reflects the culture and creativity of the skateboarding community.

Proposals will be reviewed by a panel that includes members of the Port Townsend Arts Commission's Public Art Committee, other City advisory boards, local artists, community representatives, and City staff. Finalists will present their concepts during a public feedback session. The project is anticipated to begin in late summer 2026 and reach completion by early 2027. Additional details on the timeline and selection process will be shared alongside the RFP.

"By offering a permanent platform for public, community-responsive art, we are making space for further creativity and engagement in the Creative District," said Katy Goodman, the City's Arts and Culture Coordinator. "This project helps demonstrate that Port Townsend is a place that values and recognizes working artists for their craft and contributions to our community."

Learn more about the Port Townsend Creative District at:

https://ptcreativedistrict.org/

Contact: Katy Goodman, Arts & Culture Coordinator

Phone: 360-774-2362

Email: kgoodman@cityoftp.us