Wheels Park Revs Up: New Ramps, New Art, New Energy

Phase 2 of the West Jordan Wheels Park is ready for riders this weekend, September 13.

On the spectacular repurposed dump truck bed are three ramps, divided by a show-stopping mural by Matt Arnold of the American flag.

If you haven't heard of Arnold, you've probably seen him. His art is all around the Diesel Brothers shop and hangar, on the side of the Landmark Grill in Midvale, and on the Haunted Circus.

The familiar flag art was also seen at the movie premiere for Reagan (2024) on the Diesel Brothers' decked-out Hummer for the event at the Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, CA.

He's been painting for decades, mostly with rattle cans (a.k.a. spray paint), but not always where it was wanted.

"I painted for free as a youth," Arnold chuckled.

As an adult and owner of a mortgage company, some people, like the Diesel Brothers, discovered he could paint, and this time, paid him for his graffiti. His talent spread by word of mouth, and he kept getting requests for his work.

But, sometimes Arnold will still paint for free, as he did for the new Wheels Park. "I was happy to give back," Arnold said. "When I was younger I didn't always make good decisions. If I can give back to the community I always will."

How did he do it?

• It took 20 hours of pre-dawn painting to finish the 300 sq. ft. mural.
• He painted the entire piece with spray paint, switching out tips to add sharp lines and depth.
• The ramp is incredibly steep: great for skating, not so great for painting. Arnold picked up a few bruises from slipping and rolling down the ramp, and had to resort to carabiners and ropes to belay and finish the project.

"I'm humbled to be part of such a cool project. The community cares and is encouraging these kids to do art and in the right way, and encouraging expressionism," Arnold said.

Joe Sirlin and COR-Athlete are behind the Phase 2 Wheels Park design and construction.

To see more of Matt Arnold's work, see https://www.instagram.com/billyluber/.