First of three park murals unveiled in Indio

“Roots of the Valley” painted by artist Sául González now adorns the exterior walls of a restroom facility at Miles Avenue Park.

The City of Indio unveiled “Roots of the Valley,” a mural by artist Sául González on the exterior walls of a restroom at Miles Avenue Park, the first of three park mural projects.

González said the mural celebrates Indio’s history, cultural identity and agricultural heritage. “It has a lot to do with trusting the future and leaving the future to the new generations,” he said.

One wall shows a boy holding a train, which González said represents holding onto history and legacy. On another wall, a girl holds a growing plant in her hands that he said symbolized new life and growth even in the harsh desert climate.

Each mural has a geometric sun in warm colors and green tones in the background. González said it symbolizes the climate, life and festivity of the region.

The murals serve a purpose beyond just adding art to the park, the city hopes they will also discourage graffiti.

The commission chose three muralists from nine finalists, who were selected from 26 proposals. The budget is $30,000, or $10,000 per mural. Patrick Barwinski is the artist for the mural at Dr. Carreon Park. His concept, “Garden of Life,” is built around the words unity, hope and growth, conveyed through butterflies, flowers and color. The draft is reminiscent of his existing “Desi” mural on the side of the SAC Health building in Downtown Indio honoring the life of Desirae “Desi” Ava Grace Cechin, a young girl from Indio who bravely battled Stage IV high-risk neuroblastoma.

Michelle Guerrero is the artist for North Jackson Park. Her design combines desert plants, a tortoise and bicycles, imagery tied to the park’s connection to cycling trails and a nearby school.