Help Transform 230 Yards of Wall into a Community Landmark!
Presented by Friends of Valley View Park in partnership with the Valley View Neighborhood Association, and planned along the LBJ access road bordering The Woods at Valley View Park and the White Rock Creek Trail, this mural will transform an overlooked wall into a vibrant, visible gateway for the park and the woods. The mural celebrates our community partners, the park’s natural beauty, and the shared spirit of our neighborhood.
Beyond its visual impact, the mural will serve as an important tool for park activation and safety. Public art signals that a space is cared for, valued, and actively used by the community. A colorful, thoughtfully designed mural invites people to slow down, engage with the space, and feel a sense of pride and ownership in their park.
Murals also play a powerful role in placemaking. This project will create a recognizable landmark along the LBJ corridor, helping define Valley View Park as a destination rather than a pass-through. By reflecting local landscapes, trail connections, and shared values, the mural will strengthen the connection between the park and the people who use it.
Through collaboration, creativity, and community involvement, the Valley View Park mural will enhance the park’s visibility, encourage positive use, and reinforce the message that this is a welcoming, cared-for space—one created by neighbors, for neighbors.
A vibrant new landmark for North Dallas and a welcoming gateway to Valley View Park!
encourages positive park use deters vandalism builds neighborhood pride creates a lasting landmark
promotes safety activates public spaces beautifies the neighborhood placemaking
strengthens community pride
About Our Muralist
My name is Joel Cruz. I am a 29-year-old Texas-based artist, raised in Plano, with a lifelong passion for art in all its forms. Creativity has been a constant presence in my life, shaping not only my career but also my identity. From an early age, I found myself naturally drawn to artistic expression, discovering that art was more than a hobby — it was a way of seeing and understanding the world.
My move to San Diego marked a pivotal chapter in my journey. Immersed in a vibrant creative culture, I refined my style as a “street artist” and deepened my appreciation for ART. That experience expanded my perspective. As a proud graduate of Plano East Senior High School, Class of 2016. I continued to develop this artistic voice beyond the classroom.”
I am a self-taught artist who believes that growth never truly ends. As I often say, “The more I know, the more I realize how much I don’t know.” Every challenge in my life has been met with creativity — art became both my refuge and my strength. Through it, I learned resilience, discipline, and the importance of authenticity.
Family is the heartbeat of everything I create. My strength as a husband and father is rooted in the love and stability we share—a foundation that inspires me to approach every task, large or small, with the same dedication and respect.
At the center of it all is my wife, Crystal Cruz. My high school sweetheart, the incredible mother to our son, Leo, and above all, my BEST FRIEND! Thank you for believing in me and motivating me to always go above my own expectations. You are my biggest blessing. I love you forever!
I want to extend a very special dedication to my parents, Rick and Geegee Thorn. There are no words to fully capture my love and gratitude for them; they have been my constant motivators regardless of the situation. They are truly the parents God intended for me to have. It is because of their unconditional support and LOVE in me that I am able to elevate my name and create beautiful murals that I once only imagined possible. I am truly blessed. I love you yesterday, today and tomorrow!
As I continue to grow, my goal is to expand into larger-scale murals that leave lasting impressions and bring people together — especially within the community of Valley View Park and throughout the City of Dallas. Through my art, I aim to inspire, uplift, and contribute meaningfully to the spaces we share.
Community Support Levels
For more information, contact us here → friendsofvalleyviewpark@gmail.com
Where the Mural Will Live
Located along the LBJ access road wall bordering The Woods at Valley View Park and The White Rock Creek Trail.
Sneak Peak!
The wall spans approximately 230 yards along the LBJ access road and White Rock Creek Trail.
