Parks staff launches call for artists for Wedge Park basketball‑court mural

Tim, parks staff, presented the call for artists for a Wedge Park basketball‑court mural, describing the selection process, compensation and timeline.

The call lists artist compensation at $8,500 and a total project cost of $15,500, Tim said. Applications are open broadly (no age or residency restriction) and are due April 30; the Parks Advisory Board will review submissions at its May meeting and forward top candidates to Parks/PRA and city management for final selection, with a target for notifying selected artists on May 7.

Why it matters: the mural will be a visible element at Wedge Park’s half court along Valley Avenue and is intended to complement existing park art. The board asked staff about eligibility, outreach and how the mural would coordinate with recently selected panels and other park art.

Board members raised questions about local preference and technical constraints. Mia, board member, asked whether the commission had broadened eligibility; Tim said the arts commission intentionally widened the geographic eligibility beyond the Tacoma‑Pierce County area to all of Washington State (and beyond) so long as submissions reflect the City of Fife. Board members asked that staff continue outreach; Tim said the call will be published online next week and staff historically sees a spike in submissions in the final week before the deadline.

Next steps: staff will publish the call online, continue outreach and return with an update at the board’s next meeting. The board will shortlist finalists at the May review and city staff will make the final selection.