State Awards Coachella Valley Communities $30M For Parks

Palm Desert CA

20 December, 2021

7:10 PM

Description

COACHELLA VALLEY, CA — Efforts to build new community parks and rehab others across the Coachella Valley got a significant boost after the state announced earlier this month it's doling out more than $30 million for several local projects. The funding is part of a $548.3 million investment to expand parks across the state — the single-largest ever in California history. "People from all over the world come to visit our state's natural wonders, but too many Californians today lack access to parks and open space in their own neighborhoods," Gov. Gavin Newsom said. "This historic investment will revitalize and create new parks in more than 100 local communities, dramatically expanding access to the outdoors across the state and ensuring more Californians from all walks of life can reap the benefits for our hearts, minds and bodies for generations to come." The state funding was announced Dec. 8 by California State Parks and is part of the Newsom administration's "Outdoors for All" initiative that aims to "enable all Californians, regardless of zip code or income, to access parks and open space." The half-billion in funding is being awarded through the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Grant Program to expand parks' access in underserved communities, with new or enhanced parks funded in every region of California, according to Newsom. Click here for a complete list of the award recipients, and here for a map showing the 112 project locations. In Riverside County, the desert region is receiving the greatest investment, while the city of Riverside and the Historic Gilman Ranch in Banning are also seeing significant awards: Cathedral CityDream Homes Park: $8,498,000Create the new 7.52-acre Dream Homes park in Cathedral City. Construct two new playgrounds with shade, soccer/multi-use field, soccer field, futsal field with lighting, two basketball courts with lighting, fitness station with shade, central plaza, dog park with small and large dog areas, five covered picnic/BBQ areas, walking trails, restroom, two parking lots with lighting, perimeter fencing, with lighting and landscaping throughout the park. City of CoachellaCentral Park: $8,454,600Create the new Central Park in the City of Coachella. Acquire 4.7 acres. Construct a new playground with shade, splash pad, multi-purpose pavilion with restrooms, walking path, botanical/community garden, multi-purpose court, fitness area with shade, three picnic areas with shade and BBQs, multi-use field, perimeter fence, with lighting and landscaping throughout the park. City of IndioIndio New Sports Park: $8,500,000Create the new 31-acre Indio Sports Park in the City of Indio. Construct two baseball fields, four soccer fields, seven open playfields, parking lot, each feature with dedicated lighting, one football field, restroom/concessions building, eight shade structures on sports fields, two shade structures, five picnic areas with shade, public art, walking pathways with lighting, with landscaping and lighting throughout the park. City of Riverside, Parks & RecreationPatterson Park: $7,150,000Renovate Patterson Park in the City of Riverside. Construct a new jogging/walking loop, two soccer fields, full basketball court, six fitness nodes, splash pad, community plaza, restroom/storage building, two playgrounds with shade, public art, formal promenade, decorative block wall, perimeter fence, pathway with lighting, community plaza, and a fruit tree grove. Renovate the parking lot. Desert Recreation DistrictThermal Park Project: $4,500,000Create the new Thermal Park in the Town of Thermal. Acquire approximately 5 acres. Construct a new playground, jungle gym, tennis courts, basketball court, baseball field, soccer field, three picnic areas, splash pad, garden, lighting throughout the park, restroom with snack bar, and landscaping throughout the park. Riverside County Regional Park and Open Space DistrictStagecoach Stop Park at Historic Gilman Ranch: $6,050,000Create the new Stagecoach Stop Park at Gilman Ranch in the City of Banning. Construct a new community/recreation center, interpretive playground, picnic areas, botanical garden/orchard, disc golf course, picnic areas, horseshoe pits, pathways, interpretive nature hiking trail to mountain areas, parking lot with lighting, and landscaping throughout the park. Once constructed, the Thermal project will represent the first park for the unincorporated community. "This is a major victory for the community of Thermal! This is exciting to receive this funding to develop the first park for Thermal. This community park is much needed, as the nearest parks to Thermal are currently in the City of Coachella or six miles southeast in Mecca. These funds are a wonderful investment in the quality of life and health of our community," Riverside County Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez said. "Riverside County has been working for many years with the Desert Recreation District to advance the vision of this park, including donating land. The park will be in the heart of Thermal, in close proximity to the Jerry Rummonds Senior and Community Center and the Coachella Valley Unified School District, bringing opportunities for outdoor recreation and activities for the families and children of the community," the supervisor continued. "I look forward to working with the Desert Recreation District and the Thermal community to get this done for the community, and I thank the State of California, Governor Gavin Newsom and his 'Outdoors for All' initiative, and especially our parks champion, State Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia, for this amazing news!" California State Parks Director Armando Quintero said, "California State Parks is incredibly proud to announce grant funding for projects that will improve access to parks and open space and contribute to a better quality of life for so many Californians. Many of these projects will become a source of community pride, thanks to neighborhood residents, local park agencies and nonprofit organizations who worked together to design vibrant parks reflecting each community's unique needs and creativity."