Request for Proposals | Ensen Community Park Mural

Location: Ensen Community Park at Carr Lake - Salinas, CA

Project Overview: Big Sur Land Trust, in partnership with the City of Salinas, invites artists to submit proposals for a vibrant new mural at Ensen Community Park at Carr Lake. This project seeks to celebrate the spirit of Salinas—its multicultural history, Indigenous heritage, ecological resilience, agricultural roots, and vision for a healthy, connected community. The mural will complement the newly opened 6-acre public park and 67-acre restoration area (currently under construction), which is part of a larger transformative effort to turn Carr Lake into a welcoming public space for all.

We are especially excited that since our first formal community engagement meeting in 2018, over 7,000 residents, members of community groups, and city leaders have advocated to co-create a multi-benefit central park that reflects the heart and spirit of Salinas. Starting in July 2023, the community joined us in an extensive process to name the park. Initially, over 400 names were suggested through online surveys and community meetings. After a naming committee identified the top three choices and 966 people participated in a final online survey, the top choice was Ensen Community Park. Respondents felt it was important to honor the history of the original peoples and their relationship with this land. “Ensen” is an Indigenous word which means blackberry, an important food source for Indigenous peoples in the area known as Carr Lake. The name was suggested by Louise J. Miranda Ramirez, Tribal Chairwoman of the Ohlone/Costanoan-Esselen Nation (OCEN).

Inspiration: This mural could be inspired by the following (not limited to): the local multicultural community, local Indigenous tribes, native flora and fauna, healthy ecosystems, restored wetlands, public access to open space, the history of Salinas, the agricultural history of Carr Lake (Japanese American farmers), family and community gathering, health, wellbeing, urban greening, rewilding, climate resilience, and more.

Wall Dimensions: The cinder block wall is approximately 1,350 sq. ft. (270’ x 5’). The mural does not need to cover the entire wall. Artists are encouraged to use the space creatively!

Budget: A total of $35,000 (all inclusive) has been identified for the purposes of this project. Artists will be responsible for their own travel costs, materials, and personal liability insurance.

KEY DATES

• RFP Released: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
• Information Session at Ensen Community Park: Friday, January 30, 2026 (12:30pm) 99 La Posada Drive, Salinas, CA 93906
• Deadline for Submission: Wednesday, February 11, 2026 (11:59pm)
• Artist Selection Notifications: Friday, February 27, 2026
• Public Input: March 2-20, 2026
• Final Design: Friday, March 27, 2026
• April: City of Salinas Site Plan Review & Public Art Commission Informational Session
• Painting: May-June, 2026
• Mural Completion Date: Friday, June 26, 2026