Set in a eucalyptus grove at the Student Center are eight double-sided, plywood canvases, inviting students to paint, draw, write, and express themselves.

The Graffiti Art Park  opened in 2014 as the direct result of student and administration collaboration. Many students were disappointed when “Graffiti Hall” in the Mandeville facility was painted over in 2013. The graffiti there had covered every inch of a hallway and an emergency exit. Students were left wanting similar space to express themselves. The University Centers Advisory Board (UCAB) was supportive of the idea, so University Centers and Student Life began working with students from Associated Students to advance the project.

A visit to Writerz Blok in southeast San Diego inspired the group and provided the foundation for building and managing a graffiti park. University Centers drafted designs in collaboration with UC San Diego student Kyle Heiskala. Kyle took lead on the project and pitched the idea to the Campus Planning team and the Open Space Committee, which ultimately approved the project as a pilot for the space at the Student Center.

While University Centers is the administrative unit in charge of managing the Graffiti Art Park, UC San Diego students have set the standards and expectations for the Art Park. Kyle worked with his fellow students to develop the initial guidelines for using the park—important rules that help ensure the Art Park remains a safe space where creativity can flourish.