Contributed COMING INTO VIEW – Through the work of Pittsburgh artist Kyle Holbrook, in partnership with the Montani Outreach Movement, a mural designed to preserve the memories of Rock Springs Park, an amusement park once located in Chester, is beginning to take shape.

CHESTER – A mural project designed to preserve the history of a local amusement park continues to take shape.

Over the last few weeks, Pittsburg artist Kyle Holbrook has been working on the mural, commemorating the history of Rock Springs Park, an amusement park open in Chester from 1897 to 1970.

“As America prepares to celebrate 250 years, it’s important to remember that our nation’s history is not only found in famous landmarks and history books,” said Holbrook. “It’s also found in places like Rock Springs Park, where generations of families came together and built memories that became part of the identity of an entire region.”

The mural project has been organized by the Montani Outreach Movement, a nonprofit organization founded in 2023 by area residents with a goal of enhancing Hancock County through community revitalization projects.

It is being painted on one of the support piers of the Jennings Randolph Bridge as it passes over state Route 2, on land which once was part of the park.

Initial funding for the mural was provided through the Hancock County Savings Bank Community Foundation and local fundraisers, with work beginning May 22 with M.O.M. and Holbrook inviting members of the community to leave their mark through the process of underpainting – establishing a foundational layer featuring names of local businesses and organizations, messages from residents, handprints from students at A.T. Allison Elementary, and more which will show through the finished mural.

Once completed, the mural is designed to showcase elements of Rock Springs Park, including a Ferris wheel and carousel, the Virginia Gardens dance hall, roller coasters, an illuminated midway, and other attractions.

Input on the design was provided by members of the Chester community who remembered the park.