Games and nature captured in Lupton Park mural

A bright and colourful mural that doubles as a playground has been unveiled at Lupton Park in Maryborough.

The mural, painted on the walkway through the park, was inspired by nature and the community activity in the park.

“It will encourage families to visit the park to play on the imaginative artworks which includes games such as hopscotch, hands and feet, and snakes and ladders,” Cr Paul Truscott said.

The mural was painted by Maryborough artist Willy Paes with the help of his wife Di.

“I was inspired by the gardens and the animals in it such as the parrots,” Willy said.

“It also pays homage to the Indigenous people of Maryborough.”

The finished mural, which with was completed between rain showers over two months, is the sixth Willy has completed in the Heritage City.

His other works are on display at the Riverside Christian College, the Maryborough Aquatic Centre children’s play area, Granville Butchery, Patchwork on Palace, the rear wall inside of the Parkside Café and the toilet block in Lupton Park.

The Lupton Park pathway mural is the third commissioned by the Fraser Coast Regional Council this year as part a program to beautify public areas and discourage graffiti.

“Murals brighten up areas and attract public attention and activity in an area, which may deter graffiti,” Cr David Lee said.

“They also show graffiti artists there are better ways to express themselves.”

Other murals commissioned by the Council this year include a whale painted on the wall of the Repco building that borders the Mary to Bay Rail Trail in Pialba and a mural on the wall of the Signature Building adjacent to the Torquay Road skatepark.

The artwork has been sealed with an anti-slip and anti-graffiti application to safeguard it against wear and tear.