Afterglow
Afterglow, a series of four murals by artist Peter Thaddeus, was donated in 2025 by Max’s Mission to add beauty to the park, reflect the diversity and creativity of the skating community, and promote messages of hope, healing, and mental health awareness. The murals feature imagery and messaging that foster connection, promote understanding, and provide guidance towards resources for those navigating suicide loss and mental health challenges.
Drawn from the light that lingers after the sun sets, the title Afterglow reminds everyone that no life ends without leaving light behind. Afterglow honors that lasting radiance and acknowledges that while grief changes us, it also connects us. Through skateboarding, art, and community outreach, we carry forward the hope, healing, and connection that Max’s Mission was created to share.
These murals stand as a celebration of life, a tribute to these we’ve lost, and a pledge to those still struggling: no matter where you are on the journey, there is still light ahead, and you are never alone on the ride.
988
Two elements important to mental health and suicide awareness frame the edges of the 988 mural. On the far left side in graffiti style lettering is 988 which is the national free, 24/7 suicide and crisis lifeline. The broken skateboards behind 988 represent how skateboarders mourn the loss of one on of their own - by breaking skateboards in
half and stacking them in a pile. A semicolon punctuates the design on the right, encouraging others to continue on, and not end their story. As a symbol, the semicolon means your story is not over - it’s just a pause, not an end. The green ribbon which is the symbol for mental health awareness, continues on into all four murals visually tying the series together. What do you do to take a pause when life gets too overwhelming for you? How have you been able to help someone when they have been struggling?
Next Chapter
This mural showcases how people’s journeys can split when we come to a fork in the road and have to decide what direction we want to take in life.
The skateboarder flying high in the mountains rides a board with a Filipino flag, a quiet nod to Max, the namesake behind Max’s Mission, and his Filipino heritage.
The bright waves of the artist’s distinct blended colors above the skater can be seen from as far away as the Millennium Carillon, and show that no matter what direction we take in life, we can always find the light. How do you know what direction to take when you come to a fork in the road? If you take a wrong turn, how do you find the light and balance again in your life?
Ride The Wave
Repeating his signature rainbow drips throughout the murals, the artist creates energy and movement that encourages viewers to follow alongside the murals with the same momentum captured in the paintings.
The center of this mural has the largest skateboard of the series at almost four feet tall, filled with words of inspiration to help get through life’s challenges.
What do these words and phrases mean to you? How can words help you when you are struggling? To the right of the board is a tunnel with a skater riding waves into the light: a reminder that even in our darkest moments there is always a way forward. Skateboarding here becomes a metaphor for resilience, and the promise that we can push through struggles and emerge in a better place.
How do you feel when waves come toward you? Do you ride them, or let them knock you down?
Community
The skatepark community is often like a second family for many, and can offer support , connection, and camaraderie for people of all ages. This painting showcases the diversity and inclusivity of people that make up a skate community. There are people of all ages, genders, and races represented here. Where do you see yourself in this painting?
“Say Their Name” is painted inside the skate bowl, referencing an ongoing project of Max’s Mission. Through talking about those we have lost to suicide and saying their name, we can reduce the stigma attached to this type of loss and promote healing for family members and friends.
The Max’s Mission logo was inspired by Max’s love of skateboarding and the idea of infinity. The twisted skateboard creates an infinity symbol, reminding us that when we lose someone we love, their memory can live forever when we share their story.
Whose name would you like to say?
