A new mural celebrating community, nature and activity will be the cherry on top of a slate of improvements to a southeast Des Moines park over the past year.

"Vibrant" and "whimsical" depictions of basketball games, picnics and native Iowa wildlife are in store for a new three-panel mural that will go on the face of the Pioneer Columbus Community Recreation Center at Stone Park , 2100 SE Fifth St., said Maddy Fusco, the artist behind the mural. The artwork, which illustrates Stone Park through a "fantastical lens," aims to highlight the recreation center and its deep ties to the surrounding southeast side neighborhoods, according to Fusco's concept description.

Des Moines City Council members on Monday, Nov. 3, unanimously approved a $42,250 contract with Fusco for the mural. About ha

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