It really was a great idea to introduce an event like Art for the Park in Aurora! Adding a splash of fresh colour to the picnic tables makes the park feel even more welcoming and vibrant. It’s a simple yet creative way to enhance the space and make it feel more lively for everyone who visits. Would love to see more events like this pop up in the future!

So this will be the second year for this event. The other day, I looked around on the town’s website and they noted: “The Town of Aurora’s Parks & Recreation Services Department invites all Aurora high school students and community groups to participate in our first ever Art for the Park event happening during the spring of 2012.”

“The first-ever Art for the Park. No, no, I have proof from 2011, it is not the first – but the second. I went back today and the statement was corrected. However, more was added.”

The “why” behind Art for the Park makes it even more meaningful. It’s not just about adding colour; it’s about fostering a sense of pride in the community, giving emerging artists a platform to showcase their work, and promoting public art. Plus, the idea of contributing to the beautification of parks while also helping to decrease vandalism is a smart and thoughtful approach. It creates a sense of ownership and respect for the space, which can really change how people interact with the park. It’s a win all around!

However, the connection between public art and reducing vandalism could definitely be interpreted in different ways. While the goal is to encourage creativity in a controlled and positive manner, some might see it as an open invitation for graffiti, especially if the art style resembles that. It’s a delicate balance—promoting artistic expression while maintaining clear boundaries about what’s acceptable.

It’s a fantastic initiative that encourages creativity and gives Aurora’s youth a positive outlet for self-expression. It’s a great way for them to feel connected to the community and take pride in their work, knowing it’s contributing to the beautification of their own parks. Plus, it’s a wonderful service from the Town of Aurora, offering a platform for young artists to showcase their talents. Framing it as an opportunity for positive artistic expression rather than just “art in public spaces” could really highlight its value and keep the focus on the community’s creative growth.
“The Parks Department will supply all required picnic table boards. The boards will be pre-sanded and will also be pre-drilled for assembly. Tables consist of 3 table top boards and two bench boards. All boards are 6 feet in length by 10 inches wide. When ready for submission, the Parks Department will pick up the picnic table and will coat it with an outdoor sealant to ensure the art withstands the elements.”

Well, last year in 2011, the picnic tables were removed, so I thought I’d showcase some of the designs before the 2012 event. Here are a couple more designs I shared earlier.

Lastly, I imagine the park would look pretty vibrant from a bird’s eye view, especially with all the colourful picnic tables and possibly other public art installations. The contrast between green spaces and those splashes of colour could create a beautiful, dynamic scene.