What’s going on with the sound wall mural project on Auburn Blvd?
Date: June 19, 2026
Citrus Heights Arts is planning to resume a sound wall mural project later this summer, after the project was delayed. // SB Williams
By Sara Beth Williams– Citrus Heights Arts is preparing to transform a plain brick sound wall into a community mural with the help of local artists, partners and residents, but delays in the project’s completion have left some residents wondering about its status.
The large mural project, to be installed along a sound wall on Auburn Boulevard between Cobalt Way and San Tomas Drive, was first initiated in the fall of 2025, with stenciling of letters completed on dozens of squared sections of the wall.
In an update both online and in front of the Citrus Heights City Council during the first meeting in June, Citrus Heights Arts Executive Director Gigi Rayford said the project was delayed when a resident requested that the artists wait to paint the wall until after hundreds of poppies planted along the base have bloomed and died off.
“The wall is not an eyesore or unfinished by neglect. We are honoring the wishes of the gentleman who has planted the poppies there for the past 20 years,” Citrus Heights Arts said in an online announcement.
“We appreciate the community’s patience and support as we respect the history and care that has gone into that space,” Citrus Heights Arts said.0
Residents responded in kind to the announcement online, thanking the nonprofit for their act of kindness toward the man who plants flowers each year.
“The painting will only enhance this gentleman’s love and care for this property!” one commenter wrote, echoing others who shared both their appreciation for the flowers and excitement for the community mural project.
When completed, the project will feature the message ‘Welcome to Citrus Heights’ in large individually painted letters. The nonprofit has called the project a “beautiful community landmark” that will welcome residents and visitors who drive by.
The community of Orangevale has also installed a similar mural along a sound wall on Greenback Lane east of Kenneth Avenue. The long mural features each letter of the jurisdiction’s name painted in bright, multi-colored letters of orange and yellow with grass and orange blossoms featured in the background.
In a phone call, Rayford said she anticipates resuming the mural project in August and is requesting the community’s help to support the work as the cost of the overall project has been higher than first anticipated. Anyone who wishes to donate to the community mural project can find more information on how and where to donate on the nonprofit’s Facebook page.
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