Nelson Playground Rebuild (Frito Bastien Reenvisioning)

The Nelson Playground mural by Frito Bastien is a reenvisioning of a mural that was created at the same site in 2005. Like many of Bastien’s murals, this one exemplifies his Haitian roots and style. Born and raised in Haiti, artist Frito Bastien created his second Haitian landscape at Nelson Recreation Center after upgrades to the park included the resurfacing of the original wall. The new mural features cascading waterfalls, butternut trees, banana trees, apple trees, and a boy fishing. The landscape is inspired by Bastien’s memory and imagination. It also represents flora and fauna from all seasons. The mural provides natural beauty to viewers and makes the greenery of the park seem to extend well beyond what is usually expected in a city.

The playground has offered programming since the 1930s and continues to be a safe space where children and families can be involved in various sports and recreational activities. Many community members were involved in the design aspect during a series of community meetings.

The project was part of a larger playground reconstruction sponsored by Rebuild Philadelphia and the City of Philadelphia.