The definition of “Hatfield Strong” and community camaraderie is now on permanent, vivid display on Chestnut Street alongside the Hatfield Aquatic Center, as the township’s new community mural — completely funded by the North Penn Health, Hospital, and Education Authority — has been completed.
According to Hatfield Township, the mural began as an idea in 2020, during a time when the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged our nation and caused disruption, fear, pain, suffering, and violence throughout the world.
In Hatfield, however, the community came together as a strong, cohesive unit.
“Out of the ashes of those difficult times emerged a mural,” stated a slideshow presentation from the township on its new mural. “A mural that represents our diverse community, in which one out of every five residents is foreign-born. A mural that says we are all Hatfield. Together.”
The vibrant mural promotes community, equality, respect, and the love of neighbors. Everything from swimming to dog walking to soccer and other activities are shown on the mural. Hatfield Township Police and emergency responders are also given respect on the mural.
According to its slideshow — viewable here — when Hatfield Township residents needed a laugh during the pandemic, it had the Moose Family on Orvilla Road to keep spirits up.
Then, resident Tina Sowicz stepped up with vision, inspiration, and leadership for the mural. The township commissioners got behind the effort and worked together with one another and the community to push the project through all its necessary stages.
Finally, talented West Philadelphia mural artist Kala Hagopian and her team at Hagopian Arts took Sowicz’s vision and made it a reality. You can see Hagopian’s extensive mural projects here. In 2018, Hagopian started the Eco Mural Project, an initiative that raises environmental awareness through street-level murals by depicting natural ecosystems in urban spaces.
“Thank you to (Hagopian) for turning Tina’s vision into what we think is the best community mural anywhere,” stated Hatfield Township.
See also:
Photos: Hatfield Aquatic Center Wraps Up 2022 Season with Dog-A-Poolooza
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Hatfield Township, PennDOT Officials Break Ground on Second Phase of 309 Connector Project
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