By Sara Beth Williams–
The Sunrise Recreation and Park District on Oct. 15 unanimously approved a proposal for a new mural to be completed at Rusch Community Park, according to the latest park district advisory board agenda.
Citrus Heights Arts submitted to the park district a proposal for a mural to be painted on the wall of one of the restrooms at Rusch Park, Sunrise Recreation and Park District Advisory Board Member Andrew Saunders confirmed Wednesday. Saunders said the vote was unanimous among present board members, but he recused himself from voting.
The mural will represent a tribute to the historic Lincoln Highway, according to a letter submitted by the nonprofit’s founder, Gigi Rayford. Mural mockups shared with The Sentinel show a historical 1920s-era black and white photo recolored, with what appears to be a 1920s-era automobile, typical of early Ford Model A or Model T styles, featuring a boxy body, rectangular window, and rear-mounted spare tire. The proposed mural will also feature the Rusch Home, Saunders said. The mockups also include a historic Lincoln Highway placard, orange trees, and a logo of “Citrus Heights.”
The proposed artwork will be painted on the wall of a bathroom near the park’s community pool and should be visible from the street, Saunders said.
The original black and white photo, which the proposed mural will be inspired by, is available on the Citrus Heights Historical Society’s website and depicts a car traveling down a dirt road at what is today known as Sylvan Corners, or the corner of Auburn Boulevard, Sylvan Road, and Old Auburn Road.
“This mural would celebrate our city’s history, highlighting both the Lincoln Highway and the historic Rusch House, which are important anchors within the park and within the CH 40 Arts District,” Rayford said.
The Citrus Heights City Council recently approved the corridor of Auburn Boulevard, which is part of the historic Lincoln Highway and Highway 40 routes, as an official Arts District at an Oct. 22 City Council meeting. Prior to the formal acknowledgement, Citrus Heights Arts launched the CH 40 Arts district along the corridor and has commissioned multiple murals over the last several months.
In the letter to park district staff, Rayford emphasizes that Rusch Park is a “vital piece of this district, not only because of its history but also because of its role as a gathering space for the community.” Rayford also said the project would come at no cost to the park district and that Citrus Heights Arts would fully fund and manage the project.
“Our goal is to enhance the beauty of the park, enrich the community’s connection to its history, and further strengthen Rusch Park’s place within the CH 40 Arts District along Auburn Boulevard,” Rayford said.
Saunders also said $500 was donated from the park district toward the effort. No timeline as to when the mural is expected to be painted was available.
