Allendale’s Centennial Mural is Back, and They Want Your Ideas for a New “Pocket Park”
photo in 1994, as part of the Allendale Centennial celebration, the Centennial Mural was created.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Allendale NJ, a beloved piece of Allendale, New Jersey, history is ready for its grand reveal. The borough is preparing to unveil its newly revitalized Centennial Mural and is inviting residents to help design the final piece of the project: a new “pocket park” at its base.
The mural’s ribbon-cutting ceremony will officially kick off the Allendale Chamber of Commerce’s Festival Day on September 20.
A New Chapter for a Historic Piece of Art
Originally painted by volunteers in 1994 to celebrate the borough’s centennial, the mural on West Allendale Avenue had fallen into disrepair over the years. The mural was covered in 2019 to allow for building repairs, but a new vision for its restoration began in 2024 under the guidance of resident sculptor Simon Rigg.
Rigg led a series of workshops where students designed the three-dimensional ceramic figures that are now a central part of the new installation. The mural has since been a collaborative effort, with artists painting in the surrounding scenes to bring the historical design back to life.
Your Chance to Shape Allendale’s Public Space
Now, the borough is turning to the community for help with the next phase of the project. Allendale is looking for creative design ideas for the 37-foot-square pocket park that will sit at the mural’s base. This new public space will serve as a gathering spot and a place for residents to enjoy the art.
“A review committee will evaluate submissions based on creativity, feasibility, and alignment with the mural’s style,” said Mayor Amy Wilczynski. This is a unique opportunity for residents to leave their mark on a public space that will be enjoyed for generations to come.
Submissions are being accepted until September 30 and can be emailed to Borough Administrator Alison Altano at alisonaltano@allendalenj.gov or dropped off at Borough Hall.
The mural unveiling is just one of the many highlights of Festival Day, a free annual event that will feature live music, food, games, arts and crafts, and more than 50 vendors. The festival will take place from noon to 4 p.m. on September 20, with a rain date of September 27.
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Meg Smeal painted that mural in 1994.