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The Vernon Hills (Illinois) Park District’s aquatics facility has been rebranded as Turtle Creek Waterpark. The rebranding highlights a creek-themed, 7,500-square-foot sprayground opening in 2024 with an actual creek running through the land on which the waterpark is built. The sprayground was designed with creek features, including a turtle, frog, butterfly, cattails and flowers.

Since the back portion of the waterpark was being developed with the bright colors of the sprayground, the front portion of the aquatics facility needed rejuvenation.

Sarah Ratliff, an artist residing in Wisconsin, designed and painted mural art at a nearby shopping mall. Her work was noticed by a staff member, which sparked the idea of mural art at the waterpark. After seeing a rendering of the future sprayground and being given the Turtle Creek Waterpark logo as inspiration, she designed and painted two large, creek-inspired murals and our logo — all on rough, uneven concrete walls. She also painted a turtle shell path within the waterpark, leading visitors to the sprayground.

“Art has always been a significant part of my life. I started creating at a young age and received my first art award when I was 9 years old. My dad was a significant source of support, belief and encouragement for me to pursue and nurture my art,” says Ratliff.

Ratliff taught step-by-step painting classes for five years before deciding to commit to art full time. “Nature inspires me, so I have focused a lot of my work in the last few years on all the wonders it holds. I started painting to bring communities together and uplift people around them. Art has such a powerful effect, and it’s beautiful to see public work that everyone can enjoy. Murals have enriched my passion for my art practice,” she says.

Waterpark visitors have commented on her artistic flair and attention to detail. Her artwork has brought smiles to visitors and staff alike. Ratliff’s artwork can be found on her website, Sarah Ratliff Studio, at sarratliffstudio.com.

Cheryl Buhmann is Marketing and Communications Manager, Vernon Hills (Illinois) Park District.