TWO Tarpeena youths are responsible for getting the “pinball” rolling on a unique Simpsons mural, which has transformed the Tarpeena skatepark.
Port McDonnell artist Jeremy Ievins splashed his colourful magic on the concrete facility to recreate some of The Simpsons’ most iconic Springfield landmarks as part of the Grant District Council project.
Completed as part of Youth Week, Grant District councillor and Tarpeena Progress Association representative Shirley Little said the idea came from two young Tarpeena residents who frequented the skatepark.
“I do not know why they chose me, but Bo Sampson and Seb Connell came knocking on my door late last year,” she said.
“The project would not have happened if they did not approach me.
“I give credit to those boys as they both came to a council meeting with me and put forward their ideas.”
Cr Little said it took courage to stand in a room full of adults and suggest to have the skatepark painted.
“I know the boys spend a lot of time there and I admire their initiative,” she said.
“The skatepark has been established for a decade now and it was looking a bit tired.
“I think this project will create a lot of interest for Tarpeena as we are a small and community-minded town.”
Cr Little said proponents of the concept did not know where to start so they approached experienced painter Greg Saunders – a former councillor – who put his hand up to help.
“I asked him questions about the type of paint that would be best, whether we need an undercoat and just simple tips and tricks,” Cr Little said.
“He was generous and donated his time, various amounts of paint and brooms and brushes for use.
“He said we needed to clean the skatepark first and he also did that for us as well.”
After a bus trip provided by council, the boys sourced design ideas from other skatepark murals in Mount Gambier including Dimjalla Skatepark’s watermelon bowl.
Mr Ievins said The Simpsons theme was proposed to him by both Bo and Seb.
“The boys showed me various creative designs to me and among them was an image of The Simpsons,” he said.
“I went with The Simpsons as I like them and designed the mural to fit the layout of the skatepark.
“I jumped on the opportunity when I got asked because things like this do not happen very often.”
Council community project officer Linda Hay said Mr Ievins was chosen due to positive past partnerships with the council.
“We approached Jeremy as he is Grant District Council resident and shares a passion in skating, surfing and related activities,” he said.
“He ended up putting in much more effort than was expected, which is seen with his other murals and artwork jotted around the area.
“He fitted the picture quite nicely and was a well-rounded package for us.”
Tying in with Youth Week, a community workshop was held at the skatepark on Monday with Tarpeena youth having the opportunity to paint the final touches of the mural.
Mr Ievins said the project took almost a week to complete and he enjoyed working with Tarpeena locals at the workshop.
“Some of the kids were very young so it will be great for them to come back when they are older and see what part of the mural they were involved in,” he said.
“It is great the council can provide opportunities like this.”
Funding for the project came from council, the Office for Youth and money raised through a Bunnings sausage sizzle fundraiser.
