‘Candy Land’

Art project unveiled Saturday at Joe Henry park

Thanks to grants and community support, one of Yuma’s older Parks and Recreation facilities is getting several new amenities, one of which is officially opening to the public this week.

The perimeter sidewalk of Joe Henry Optimist Center Park, 1793 S. 1st Ave., has been transformed into a life-size version of the classic board game Candy Land. The city invites residents to see it in action during a grand-opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony to take place from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the park.

The event will include free children’s health screenings and a chance to win a bicycle by completing physical activities.

“This event marks a milestone in our plan to revitalize the Mesa Heights neighborhood,” Neighborhood Services Manager Rhonda Lee-James said. “In addition to adding another free attraction to this park, the results also serve to beautify the area.”

Rather than needing to draw cards to advance in the game, participants would complete challenges as outlined on certain spaces.

The finish line is the north side of the Joe Henry Optimist Center gymnasium, which now adorns a large mural by local artist Lia Littlewood.

Candy Land will be free to play when the park is open.

The project is made possible with the support of the Walt Disney Company through the Meet Me at the Park Play Spaces Program from the National Recreation and Park Association, the Community Development Block Grant funding, and the city of Yuma.

Buy these photos at YumaSun.com PHOTOS BY RANDY HOEFT/YUMA SUN ESPY MATLOCK (LEFT), WITH YUMA PARKS AND RECREATION, AND MARVIN SEVILLA, with Yuma Art Center, check out the giant Candy Land mural, painted by Yuma artist Lia Littlewood, on the north wall of the Joe Henry Optimist Center Park gym.

SERGIO MEDRANO PUTS THE FINISHING touches on one of the squares on the sidewalk that encircles the park.

EVEN THE BENCHES AT THE NEWLY revamped Joe Henry Optimist Center Park feature colorful mini murals.