By Todd Marco
After a torrential rainy season brought an end to Seacliff’s iconic pier, the storm battered Aptos community welcomes a new mural at Rio Del Mar Esplanade. World-renowned local muralist Taylor Reinhold designed and painted the mural with teammates Casey Landaker and Scott Greathouse. The mural welcomes community members, esplanade patrons, and beachgoers to this vital and storied location.
Story of the Mural
Aptos-based nonprofit Nisene Rio Gateway (NRG) spearheaded the project and successfully advocated for the Parklet to be opened for public access.
Taylor Reinhold at work. • Photo Credit: Andrew Pastor
For the mural improvement, NRG partnered with local nonprofit County Park Friends as fiscal sponsor and raised over $13,000 from generous donors to commission Taylor and team.
The mural wall brightens up a Parklet area owned by County Parks, which includes multiple picnic tables and is envisioned to have additional park-like amenities, including bike racks, landscaping, and a seasonal food truck, even if just on an interim basis.
An additional fundraising effort has also been launched to cover added costs incurred due to storm delays and material increases.
Story of the Place
A century ago, Rio Flats was a marshy estuary where Aptos Creek meandered into the Monterey Bay, but the ecological value of the habitat was no match for the force of development that transformed the area in the 1920s.
This was, remember, a time when the redwood forests of Aptos had just been clear-cut and earnest conservation efforts were in their infancy.
The Liederbach building, more recently known as the SeaBreeze Tavern, was constructed in 1928 and ultimately demolished in 2021. The historic structure was beloved by some nostalgic community members but was a dilapidated eyesore to most. Its removal greatly expanded sightlines to the mural wall, which then became the first fundraising project of the newly formed Nisene Rio Gateway.
Aptos Creek, flowing through The Forest of Nisene Marks to the Rio Del Mar Beach, has always been the lifeblood of Aptos.
The new mural showcases the interconnected woodland, riparian, & coastal ecosystems, highlighting the importance of conservation & stewardship. NRG is also working with local officials in advocacy of safety improvements for pedestrians & cyclists along the course of Aptos Creek from redwoods to sea.
Story of the Future
Come enjoy the new patio area and support the great local businesses along the esplanade.
As you’re admiring the new mural, take some time to contemplate & discuss the elements & themes underpinning the artwork. If you look closely, you might even spot an homage to our beloved pier.
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Editor’s note: The future of the parklet at 105 Esplanade (APN 042-151-31) will be discussed by the Santa Cruz County Planning Commission at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 24, in the supervisors’ chambers, 701 Ocean St., Santa Cruz. The staff report will be available one week before.
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Top Photo Credit: Andrew Pastor
