Vacaville Parks Commission Welcomes New Members, Approves Alebrije Sculpture

The commission swears in new commissioners and reviews plans for a $3.2 million park improvement project.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:37pm

A bold, graphic illustration of a colorful, abstract Alebrije sculpture repeated in a tight grid, capturing the playful and vibrant nature of the public art piece.The new Alebrije sculpture in Vacaville's Trower Park will bring a burst of color and community spirit to the neighborhood.Vacaville Today

The Vacaville Parks and Recreation Commission held a meeting this week where they swore in two new commissioners, Kenya Serena and Ryan Wold. The commission then reviewed plans for a new Alebrije sculpture to be installed as part of the $3.2 million Trower Park Improvements Project, which will also include a mist pad, mosaic tile walls, a skate area, and ADA upgrades. The sculpture design was developed through an in-depth student engagement process with Markham Elementary School.

Why it matters

The Trower Park Improvements Project represents a significant investment in Vacaville's public spaces, enhancing recreational opportunities and community identity. The Alebrije sculpture, in particular, aims to create a unique landmark that reflects the city's cultural diversity and engages local students in the creative process.

The details

The Alebrije sculpture will be placed north of the proposed splash pad and west of the basketball courts in Trower Park. The artist, Tom Arie Donch, selected 16 students from Markham Elementary to participate in the Markham Alebrije Club, which helped design the sculpture model presented to the commission. The city is also seeking volunteers to help with earthwork and mosaic tile workshops for the park improvements on May 2.

  • The Vacaville Parks and Recreation Commission meeting took place on Tuesday evening.
  • The Trower Park Improvements Project, including the Alebrije sculpture, is planned for completion in the coming year.

The players

Kenya Serena

One of the new commissioners sworn in to the Vacaville Parks and Recreation Commission.

Ryan Wold

One of the new commissioners sworn in to the Vacaville Parks and Recreation Commission.

Tom Arie Donch

The artist selected to create the Alebrije sculpture for Trower Park, known for his work on other public art projects in the area.

Melody Land

The Recreation Manager who provided the staff presentation on the Alebrije sculpture and Trower Park Improvements Project.

Markham Elementary School

The local school that participated in the Markham Alebrije Club to help design the sculpture model.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Schools are the heart of the community.”

— Tom Arie Donch, Artist

What’s next

The city is seeking volunteers to help with earthwork and mosaic tile workshops for the Trower Park Improvements Project on May 2.

The takeaway

The Trower Park Improvements Project, including the new Alebrije sculpture, represents Vacaville's commitment to enhancing its public spaces and engaging the local community, especially students, in the creative process. This project aims to create a unique landmark that reflects the city's cultural diversity and provides new recreational opportunities for residents.