SAND CREEK ART WALK
The Sand Creek Art Walk, located just west of the Westerly Creek and the Smith Road trailhead in the Central Park area of Denver, is an artistic project that celebrates the history and natural beauty of the Sand Creek Regional Greenway. The art walk features murals on the vertical wall segments that remain from the Stapleton Airport's runway tunnel system, stretching approximately 1,250 linear feet on the north and south banks of the creek.
The beginning of public art on the Sand Creek Greenway was made possible by the community’s collective efforts. Generous contributions from community members, along with matching funds from the SCRGP board and the Trust for Public Lands, as well as support from Councilman Chris Herndon, allowed the installation of the very first mural on the Greenway.
In May of 2022, Denver Parks and Recreation successfully completed the 2020 Sand Creek Regional Greenway Trail project, adding approximately 3.1 miles of new trail for walking, rolling, jogging, and bicycling along Sand Creek. This new addition of trail, built on the land above the previously existing trail, created a continuous paved trail from Peoria at Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to I-70 and Quebec St.
While creating the new trail, the SCRGP recognized the importance of preserving the historical lower trail section and maintaining an enjoyable trail experience for all users. This led to the concept of the Sand Creek Art Walk, with the intention to honor the past while fostering a vibrant and engaging environment for the present and future.
In June of 2022, the SCRGP utilized Denver's Urban Arts Fund Program funding to successfully install the second mural along the Greenway, further enriching the artistic experience for trail users.
As of 2023, the SCRGP proudly announces the official Sand Creek Art Walk launch to the public. With a vision of promoting art and community engagement, the SCRGP plans to install one new mural every year for the next five years.
The SCRGP kicked off the start of the 2023 mural with its first-ever Mural Festival. Over 280 community members of all ages and abilities joined us on September 16, 2023 to help install the base layer for the mural. This event helps the community foster a sense of ownership and pride in this creative endeavor.
The Sand Creek Art Walk is a testament to the power of collaboration, community support, and artistic expression, as it weaves history, nature, and culture into the fabric of the Sand Creek Regional Greenway, offering a unique and memorable experience for all who explore it.
All Sand Creek Art Walk murals are funded and managed by SCRGP! The SCRGP aims to apply one new community-chosen mural to the wall every year for the next five years.
Join us in making this happen by making a gift to the SCRGP today!
Let’s work together
We are searching for the next group to select and lead the 2025 Sand Creek Art Walk Mural installation! If you are interested, please fill out the form below and a SCRGP staff member will follow up with you! Here are some things to be mindful of when considering if you and your group are the right fit:
Art along the Sand Creek Art Walk should reflect diverse voices, experiences, and perspectives.
Selection of the Mural begins in February of 2025 and ends after the Mural Festival in mid-September 2025.
Participants from the selected group are expected to meet every other week between February and September for a total of four hours a month.
Each participant should be able to commit to attending 75-85% of meetings.
Some meetings will be hosted virtually.
Stipends may be available to help reduce barriers to participation.
Translation and interpretation will be available for any participant who needs it.
Participants should be able to attend the Mural Festival to be held on the second Saturday in September 2025, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
You, nor anyone in your group, needs to have experience selecting a mural! We will guide you through the entire process.
Groups of all ages and abilities are encouraged to submit an application.
Group size should be between six to 10 individuals.
Depending on the number of applications received, the selected group will be notified in early January 2025.
Have a question? E-mail Mo Fair, SCRGP’s Executive Director, HERE.
2020 mural
Completed in 2020 by Yulia Avgustinovich
Learn more about Yulia and her art here: Story of the Denver muralist Yulia Avgustinovich (yulia-art.com)
Follow Yulia on Instagram: Yulia Avgustinovich (@yuliaart.murals) • Instagram photos and videos
Stay tuned for an interview with Yulia
2022 mural
Completed in 2022 by Juls Mendoza
Learn more about Juls and his art here: Juls Mendoza
Follow Juls on Instagram: Juls • Cultural Surrealism (@jwlc_art) • Instagram photos and videos
Stay tuned for an interview with Juls
2023 mural
Mural by Brian Ray Simmonds. Follow Brian on Instagram: Pharaoh One (@pher01) • Instagram photos and videos. Stay tuned for an interview with Brian to learn what inspired him to create this piece!
We created a scavenger hunt and crossword puzzle to explore the 3,500 square foot mural and find the cool details and critters hidden within it! Good luck!