Councilwoman Sexton Smith Reveals A New Artistic Addition To The David Armstrong Extreme Park

Photo: Louisville Metro Council

Since its opening in 2002, the David Armstrong Extreme Park has attracted skaters and bikers from around the country and the world. The parks newest artistic addition is sure to catch the eye of those who appreciate what the Extreme Park has brought to the city. On Friday, Councilwoman Barbara Sexton Smith (D-4) hosted the Big Reveal of a new mural on the outside wall of the park that gives everyone who drives or walks by it an idea of the purpose of the park and its uniqueness.

“This mural is truly an expression of the energy and colorful nature of this park and I want to thank the artists who brought their unique graffiti style forward for everyone to appreciate,” said Sexton Smith. “Let this mural be an inspiration and attraction that leads to other creative works in District 4.”

For the past few years, Braylyn “Resko” Stewart as lead artist coordinated the mural with $ 15,000 funding from Metro Parks and District 4 Councilwoman Barbara Sexton Smith.

“The mural project has really spruced up the Extreme Park,” Parks and Recreation Director Seve Ghose said. “We appreciate all the hard work and creativity displayed by these artists and know it’s something the city’s residents will enjoy.”

Stewart recruited the artistic talents of fellow local artists Wilfred Sieg III and the four person artist collective known as Often Seen Rarely Spoken to complete the mural adorning the outer park wall. This is an efforts to curb some of the illegal graffiti and bring a since of pride to the area!

The park opened in 2002 and was immediately recognized as one of the finest in the country. Recently, the park was closed for more than a year as the Ohio River Bridges Project was completed. The park reopened April 2015. Just a year ago, a new metal vert ramp replaced the wooden ramp at the site – that skate element is also considered to be one of the best in the world. Among the current features the bowl and full pipe, which were fixtures to the original design, were modernized. The park is named for former Louisville Mayor David Armstrong, who passed away in June at the age of 76. Armstrong was serving as mayor in 2002 when the skate park opened to the public.

Councilwoman Sexton Smith is looking to the mural as a beginning invitation to other artists and businesses to use this form of expression to fight the problem of graffiti in Butchertown and District 4.

“I am very excited about the possibility of an international Mural Festival in District 4. Together we can do this,” said Sexton Smith.