A Sacramento artist is turning a neighborhood park into a living history museum, using colorful murals to celebrate Latino culture, honor community changemakers and inspire future generations.

For Hispanic Heritage Month, KCRA 3 is highlighting Richard Alcala, a longtime Sacramento resident and the founder of the Southside Park mural project.

Alcala recently opened Cultura Bookstore on Del Paso Boulevard to share his love of Latino literature with the community. But when he's not busy at his new shop, you'll likely find him at Southside Park, where he has spent years working to bring Sacramento's rich cultural history to life.

"I would look at this blank wall at Southside Park, which means so much to all of us," Alcala said. "Over the generations of fiestas and folklorico dancing, Aztec dancing, you know, it was just part of our history that needed to be told."

After a three-year effort to get the project approved, Alcala hired 10 local Latino and Indigenous artists to create 13 mural panels.

The elaborate mural took four months to complete and features colorful artwork highlighting Indigenous history, the Chicano movement, farmworkers and prominent Latino figures who have made a difference in the community.

Alcala personally invested more than $40,000 to make his vision a reality.

"I wanted to make sure it happened," Alcala said. "And recruiting a bunch of the best Latino artists and Indigenous artists in Sacramento to be part of this. And thank God they wanted to be part of it. They came up with the concept and they made it happen. And it's beautiful."

The project faced setbacks along the way. Before the mural was completed, vandals damaged portions of the artwork, forcing artists to redo some of their work.

But Alcala refused to let the vandalism derail his mission to beautify South Side Park.

"Well, you're not going to stop us. We turn negatives into positive, as you can see," he said.

One of the mural's panels highlights the struggles of farmworkers and the historic 1966 march from Delano to the California State Capitol.

Sacramento artist Gustavo Reynoso, who contributed to the project, hopes the colorful artwork will encourage people to stop and learn more about the history depicted on the walls.

"You pass by in a car, you see a lot of bright colors and you see images of people in protest. It makes you want to stop to see what it is all about," Reynoso said.

For Alcala, the mural is about making history and art accessible to everyone.

Unlike a traditional museum, there is no admission fee. Visitors can experience the artwork while enjoying their neighborhood park.

"It is exactly that, a living history," Alcala said. "The community comes by every day asking questions. And I give them a little tour about our culture, where we started with the Indigenous tribes. This is their land, and this is where we came from. And then the Chicano movement and where we are now, as opposed to where we were then."

Arturo Vallejo, the owner of Bueno Cafe, said the mural is helping revitalize the neighborhood while giving younger generations an opportunity to connect with their cultural roots.

"It makes me very emotional because we needed this in Sacramento and it's so good," Vallejo said.

"It means where we come from, our roots. Our roots are showing our new generation what we all about. This is a beautiful artwork."

One of the mural's most meaningful features is a changemakers panel that honors Latinos who have made significant contributions to their communities.

The artwork features individuals from a variety of professions, including sports, education and journalism, with the message: "If you can see it, you can be it."

KCRA 3's Leticia Ordaz is among those featured on the Changemakers panel.

"Because of your accomplishments, being a Mexican-American and proud. Look what you've done. You're an author. You're a journalist," Alcala told Ordaz.

Artist Nadeen Haduca, who contributed to the changemakers panel, said the experience helped her connect more deeply with her Mexican heritage.

Growing up in a mixed household, Haduca said she wishes she had been exposed to more examples of Latino success when she was younger.

"I think this is just something really beautiful that they can tie themselves to and inspire themselves," Haduca said.

She hopes children who visit the park will see Latino athletes, judges, educators and other accomplished figures and realize they can pursue those same dreams.

For Alcala, that message is at the heart of the entire project.

"What I hope that the young generation takes is to learn from your past and be proud of where we came from, no matter where it is," he said.

Alcala hopes the mural will serve as a lasting reminder that children don't have to look far to find role models who share their cultural backgrounds.

"Here's the examples right here," Alcala said. "Step by step, whatever career you choose, take a look at it and go for it. Don't be afraid."

Alcala hopes to continue expanding the educational experience by adding QR codes to each mural panel. Visitors would be able to scan the codes to learn more about the historical events and individuals featured in the artwork, even when Alcala is not available to provide a personal tour.

He is currently seeking additional funding to make that possible.