Inspiring Climate Art Mural Unveiling at OCPS Academic Center for Excellence - A New Chapter for Parramore

USA - English

• USA - español

March 11, 2025 | 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM | OCPS Academic Center for Excellence, 701 W Livingston St, Orlando, FL 32805

ORLANDO, Fla., March 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Join us for the unveiling of a vibrant, three-wall, climate-themed mural at OCPS Academic Center for Excellence, a Title I school in Parramore. This stunning artwork, created by renowned TIME™ Pieces artist Allison Dayka, is a powerful symbol of environmental awareness and pride for students and the local community. She will hand-paint this vibrant masterpiece, transforming a key hallway into a powerful symbol of pride, creativity, and environmental awareness. Students played a role in shaping the design, ensuring their voices were reflected in the art they walked past every day.

"I believe every person can positively impact the world by harnessing their innate talents. I use my gifts to speak to young minds because they are naturally curious and hopeful. Through art, we can inspire them to protect our planet from the devastating effects of climate change. The kids of Parramore will grow up not just understanding the problem but believing they can help solve it." - Allison Dayka, TIME^™ Pieces Artist

Parramore's residents, including the Kindergarteners through 8^th-grade students attending OCPS' Center for Excellence—the primary elementary and middle school in the area—face significant socio-economic and environmental challenges, including poverty, crime, food insecurity, and environmental vulnerabilities due to limited green spaces.     

"Keeping Orlando beautiful isn't just about aesthetics—it's about creating a city where future generations can thrive. We are fostering a culture of environmental responsibility and civic pride through initiatives like Keep Orlando Beautiful. Educating students about sustainability and climate change isn't optional; it's essential. They are the future stewards of our communities, and by empowering them with knowledge, we are ensuring that Orlando remains a resilient, forward-thinking city for decades to come." - Mayor Buddy Dyer, City of Orlando

The project - commissioned by VoLo Foundation, in partnership with the City of Orlando's Keep Orlando Beautiful initiative – is part of a broader effort to raise awareness about climate change and environmental responsibility in Florida. It occurs alongside the 2025 Climate Correction^™ Conference in Orlando.

"Art can reach people in ways that data and policy alone cannot. Climate art is not just about raising awareness—it's about sparking emotional connections that inspire action. When we engage children through creativity, we invite them to see themselves as part of the solution. There is no future without environmental education."— Thais Lopez Vogel, Trustee and Co-Founder, VoLo Foundation

Join us to celebrate this inspiring and impactful moment for the Parramore community!

About City of Orlando's Keep Orlando Beautiful Program

Keep Orlando Beautiful, established in 1997, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Its mission is to engage and educate individuals to take greater responsibility for improving their community environment through litter prevention, waste reduction, recycling, and beautification efforts. VoLo Foundation is a Florida-based private nonprofit with a mission to accelerate change and global impact by supporting science-based climate solutions, enhancing education, and improving health.

About Parramore and OCPS ACE School

Opened in 2017, OCPS ACE is the first new school in the Parramore neighborhood in over four decades, serving students from preschool through eighth grade. The school was established to address the educational needs of a community that had been without a local school for many years. The school operates under the Community Partnership Schools (CPS) model, developed by the University of Central Florida (UCF) and the Children's Home Society of Florida. Parramore, a historic neighborhood in Orlando, Florida, has faced numerous challenges over the years, including economic hardships, limited access to nutritious food, and environmental vulnerabilities.

Economic Challenges and Crime Rates

Historically, Parramore has been one of Orlando's economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. In 2015, the unemployment rate was reported at 23.8%, with a median household income of $15,493. Crime rates have been higher compared to other parts of Orlando; however, significant efforts have been made to reduce crime in the area. 

Food Desert Status

Parramore has been identified as a food desert, meaning residents have limited access to affordable and nutritious food. Initiatives like urban farms and farmers markets have been introduced to address this issue, but challenges persist. The closure of an urban farm serving the community further exacerbated the problem. 

Environmental Vulnerabilities

The neighborhood's infrastructure and limited green spaces contribute to environmental challenges. The "heat island effect," where urban areas experience higher temperatures due to human activities and infrastructure, disproportionately affects lower-income communities like Parramore. Residents have reported health issues related to extreme heat, exacerbated by limited access to air conditioning and green spaces that could provide cooling. 

Additionally, the proximity to major roadways and industrial sites has led to poor air quality, impacting residents' health. The neighborhood's lack of natural green areas limits recreational spaces and reduces resilience against environmental challenges like heat and water intrusion.

SOURCE VoLo Foundation