Unveiling of mural by local artist Jendayi Berry is part of Southside Back in the Day event at Phelps Park on Saturday, September 3
Posted on 26 August, 2022
Youth help paint the new mural on the basketball court at Phelps Park on August, 26, 2022
A new public art mural covering the basketball court at Phelps Park will be unveiled on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, during the Southside Back in the Day event!
Join the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and numerous community partners for a short ceremony beginning at 1 pm! We’ll unveil the new mural and commemorate two other new park amenities at Phelps Park: a new splash pad that opened earlier this summer and new playground that debuted in fall 2020.
Immediately following the ceremony, Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx staff will host a free youth basketball skills academy on the court.
The 13th annual Southside Back in the Day event will host activities 11 am-7 pm at Phelps Park. Attractions include live music and DJs, food and merchandise vendors, jump rope and boxing fitness activities, and a wellness clinic and health resources.
Local artist Jendayi Berry designed the mural with assistance from youth at the Southside Village Boys & Girls Club and community members. Its theme is based on honoring the positive spirit of the community and economic inclusion.
The mural is sponsored by Elevate Foundation, an organization that works to create artistically designed spaces based on the public’s need and want for change. Project partners include:
- Project Backboard
- Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx
- Boys and Girls Club
- Five x Five Public Art Consultants
- Ward 8 Minneapolis City Council Office
The basketball court mural at Phelps Park was first proposed by the Elevate Foundation in 2019. Partners conducted community engagement in 2020 and more youth-focused outreach in 2021, along with review and input from Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board staff. The Minnesota Timberwolves and Elevate Foundation are planning future programming at the court.