Ensen Community Park Mural RFP

In-Person Information Session Summary 

This transcript captures a community Q&A and site meeting for a public mural project at Ensen Community Park in Salinas, led by the Big Sur Land Trust in partnership with the City of Salinas. Artists, organizers, and community members gathered to learn about the park’s history, the mural opportunity, and expectations for the project.

The park sits on land historically known as “Car Lake,” once wetlands, later used for agriculture. After decades of community advocacy, the land was acquired in 2017, with the 6-acre neighborhood park opening in August 2025 and a larger 67-acre restoration area which is currently under construction. The project emphasizes floodplain restoration, native plants, water quality improvement, habitat creation, and providing open green space in the heart of the city. Over 7,000 community members have participated in engagement efforts shaping the park.

Speakers highlighted Salinas’s multicultural history, including Indigenous tribes, Japanese Americans, Chinese immigrants, farmworkers, and Latino communities, in addition to the area’s ecological history. Interpretive signage throughout the park addresses both human and ecological stories, such as watershed education, climate change, native plants, and migratory birds.

The mural wall, owned by the Monterey County Housing Authority, was intentionally selected as the park’s first major art feature. Artists are encouraged to reflect community identity and park values while still exercising creative freedom—there is no requirement to match the park’s existing branding or follow a single aesthetic.

Key project details include:

  • Submission deadline: February 11
  • Artist selection: By February 27
  • Public input phase: March 2–20
  • Final design: March 27
  • City review: April
  • Painting period: May–June, with completion targeted by late June
  • Process: Includes community engagement and iterative design
  • Payment: Three installments (contract signing, mid-project, completion)
  • Maintenance: Artist applies anti-graffiti coating; long-term care handled by the City of Salinas

Artists asked questions about demographics, native plants, cultural representation, mural scope, site logistics, noise restrictions, and historical references (including Steinbeck and Indigenous history). Organizers emphasized inclusivity, long-term stewardship, and the park’s role in providing equitable access to green space.

Overall, the meeting reinforced that the mural should be community-rooted, culturally respectful, environmentally informed, and developed collaboratively within a long-term vision for the park and Salinas.

Question & Answer Summary

Design & Branding

  • Q: Must the mural match the park’s existing colors, shapes, or branding?
  • A: No. There’s no requirement to mirror park branding. Artists may incorporate it if it fits their story, but creative freedom is encouraged.

Community Representation

  • Q: Which communities should be reflected in the mural?
  • A: The park serves a diverse population, including farmworker, immigrant, Latino communities, as well as indigenous tribes (Esselen/Ohlone), Japanese American, Chinese American, and other historical groups tied to the land.

Native Plants & Restoration

  • Q: Which plants are being restored and why?
  • A: The park uses a mix of wetland and upland California native species suited to flooding conditions.

Cultural & Historical Themes

  • Q: Can Indigenous history or Steinbeck themes be used?
  • A: Yes. Indigenous history is central to the site, and Steinbeck-related themes connected to Salinas are appropriate if handled respectfully.

Hidden Local Landmarks

  • Q: Are there lesser-known local features to highlight?
  • A: No single repeated landmark is required. Agricultural heritage and natural features are common themes in Salinas public art.

Park Activities

  • Q: What activities happen in and around the park?
  • A: The park includes skateboarding, biking, courts, a dog area, and passive recreation. The restoration area prioritizes nature, birdwatching, walking, running, and quiet space.

Site Conditions & Plants Near the Wall

  • Q: How should artists work around plants at the base of the wall?
  • A: Plants will be protected during painting. They are ground cover, not climbing vines, and are maintained by the city.

Noise & Work Hours

  • Q: Are there restrictions from neighbors or housing residents?
  • A: No specific restrictions, but park hours are sunrise to sunset; noise after hours is discouraged.

Birds & Wildlife

  • Q: Are there specific migratory birds associated with the site?
  • A: Yes. Egrets, herons, shorebirds, geese, and pelicans are common or expected as restoration continues.

Indigenous Groups & Territory

  • Q: Which Native tribes are most associated with this land?
  • A: OCEN (Ohlone Costanoan Esselen Nation), Esselen, and Rumsen tribes are most closely connected, though multiple Indigenous groups have ties due to historic displacement.

Longevity & Stewardship

  • Q: What is the long-term vision for the mural and park?
  • A: The park is intended to exist in perpetuity. The city will maintain the mural long-term after completion.

Artist Engagement & Process

  • Q: Will artists engage the community after selection?
  • A: Yes. Community engagement is expected as part of the design refinement process.

Payment & Maintenance

  • Q: How are artists paid and who maintains the mural?
  • A: Payment is split into three phases (initial selection, mid project – milestone completion, and final completion). Artists apply anti-graffiti coating; the city handles ongoing maintenance.