Forest Park Mural Begins Taking Shape on Racquetball Court Walls
Date Posted: September 17, 2026
Posted In: Featured, Ideas,
Work is underway on a major new mural that will transform the exterior of Forest Park’s racquetball court facility into a colorful piece of public art.
The photo taken Thursday morning shows progress on the east wall of the mural, being created by St. Louis artist Joseph Mueller. The finished installation will cover all four exterior walls of the courts—approximately 3,270 square feet.
Located near the Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center, the handball courts and the Nicholas J. Booker Basketball Courts, the mural will be visible from nearby walking and cycling paths, Grand Drive and Lindell Boulevard.
Mueller, known for large-scale figurative works throughout the St. Louis region, was selected following a nationwide call that drew 87 applicants. More than 500 community members provided feedback on concepts submitted by the three finalists.
The project is intended to celebrate community, camaraderie, sportsmanship and the energy of play while adding color to a highly visible area of the park. Its impact became even more significant after the May 2025 tornado removed many of the trees that had screened the unfinished concrete walls.
The mural is a collaboration involving Forest Park Forever, the City of St. Louis Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry, the Board of Public Service and the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis.
Completion and a formal celebration are expected later this year.
Photos by Tom Finan/Construction Forum.