Skip to content

Public art octopus named Inky unveiled at Mission Leisure Centre

Project dubbed ‘Atlantis’ has octopus and his aquatic friends hanging over teach pool
24714049_web1_210401-MCR-public-art-octopus-Inky_1

A new public art project at the Mission Leisure Centre has been unveiled – it’s a giant octopus named Inky.

The project has been dubbed “Atlantis,” and features Inky and several of his aquatic friends hanging from the ceiling of the teach pool, along with a tot slide with sculpted seahorses, coral covered pillars and other fish which have been painted by airbrush.

“The artwork has a magical underwater feeling with crumbling features representing the lost city of Atlantis,” said Stephanie Key, deputy director of parks, recreation and culture (PRC). “Children swimming in the tot pool have adored looking and and feeling like they are swimming under the sea.”

The department selected Inky because of the Giant Pacific Octopus’ fascinating traits, said a March 31 District of Mission news release, which include intelligence, three hearts, nine brains, eight arms, blue blood, flexibility, ink defence and graceful swimming.

Missionites voted to name the cephalopod Inky in a contest held on Facebook by the PRC department, which included numerous other entries.

The name was submitted by two individuals, Mat Lapointe and Callen for FarmingFamilyof5 – both will receive a swimming prize for the pool.

In order to see Inky and the new project, book a family swim time slot or sign up for swimming lessons by pre-registering at mission.ca/leisure, or calling 604-820-5350.

RELATED: Council cancels cube