WEDNESDAY, October 21, 2026|
Photo – Graffiti wall at Energy Park – by Toga Radio reporter Matt Copeland
The Hanna Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee will request student designs for a new mural at Energy Park.
During the October 13th Hanna Town Council Meeting, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Chairwoman Jennifer Widdison announced that local youths had graffitied the walls around the basketball court at Energy Park, located on the west side of town. Widdison asked the governing body to approve a plan to cover the graffiti with a student‑ or resident‑designed mural.
Widdison said she hopes the mural will discourage anyone from tagging the basketball court again.
Mayor Charlie George asked if Widdison was planning to replace any of the 11 plywood panels that make up the wall. The Parks and Rec Committee Chairwoman suggested installing all new panels.
In response to the mayor’s question, Widdison said the panels are roughly 4 feet by 8 feet tall. She added that she would like to install additional plywood panels to allow for two murals, one featuring Hanna’s coal‑mining heritage and another reflecting the community as it is today.
Widdison explained that she will use a virtual‑reality headset to outline the winning designs onto the plywood walls. Afterward, local students will finish the murals.
Widdison added that H‑E‑M High School art teacher Corinne Whaley has offered to help with the project.
Councilwoman Ellen Freeman asked who will purchase the plywood panels and supplies for the mural. Widdison said the money will come from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee’s budget, with any additional funding covered through fundraising. She added that a basic design will help keep costs down.
Town Treasurer Ann Calvert reminded the governing body that it allocated $12,000 to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee this fiscal year. Mayor Charlie George estimated the cost of a 4‑by‑8‑foot plywood panel at $35 to $40, and with 11 boards, the wood alone would run approximately $400. The price will double if they choose to install two murals, as Widdison suggested.
Following the discussion, the Hanna Town Council voted to allow the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee to begin soliciting design ideas from local students. Mayor George instructed Widdison to obtain a cost estimate for the wood and supplies before the town authorizes any spending.
