Mural and totem poles part of £85k Hull park makeover

A series of carvings were created by chainsaw artist Mike Burgess

A giant mural and carved totem poles have been created in a city park following awards of £85,000 from the government's "levelling up" project.

Trees, meadows and flowerbeds had already been added to to Alderman Kneeshaw Park in Hull, as part of its makeover.

Now a mural featuring penguins and polar bears and totem poles crafted by a chainsaw artist have been created.

Councillor Julia Conner said the totem poles were a "brilliant centrepiece".

Mike Burgess also created a large centrepiece totem pole

Ms Conner, Hull City Council's portfolio holder for environment, said: "The amazing craftsmanship displayed on the totem poles is a brilliant centrepiece for Alderman Kneeshaw Park.

"The striking mural really brightens up that area and adds to the fantastic collection of murals we already have in Hull."

Chainsaw artist, Mike Burgess, created a large totem pole featuring a hand carved butterfly, as well as several smaller totems displaying woodland creatures and a football sculpture, chosen by Barham AFC Football Club.

He said: "It's always an honour to be asked to create something so personal to the community and it's been fantastic to be involved in creating the sculptures for Alderman Kneeshaw Park.

"The Friends engaged with local groups and teams to understand what happens in the park and what the park means to the community and this has shaped the designs for the carvings."

Mr Burgess said he had "really enjoyed" making the sculptures and hoped all the carvings would be "enjoyed for years to come".

Maniuko, who created the huge mural, said he was looking forward to painting more murals

The artist Maniuko produced the mural for the 17-acre park on Valiant Drive, with input from the community, Friends of AKP and Councillor Conner.

He said: "I want to thank all youngsters for their ideas and all involved for their patience and support.

"We came up with a great design and I added a bit of freestyling, as I always like to do."

Debbie Morrell, chair of the Friends of AKP, added: "We have no doubt that this will help bring visitors to the park and would like to thank Hull City Council for its support with this project."

Councillor Conner said AKP was now "a place that the people of Hull can be proud of".