A Merced County park’s getting a $3.7M upgrade — including a new walking path, art and more
Winton Community Park is getting a second life thanks to a $3.7 million investment from the state’s Clean California Local Grant Program, a Merced County news release announced Wednesday.
The state program, funded through the California Department of Transportation, was founded for communities to upgrade public spaces. About $296 million is being distributed across California to improve outdoor spaces via beautification, public art, litter removal and the rehabilitation of facilities needing repair.
Winton’s 21.5-acre park is one of 105 projects awarded through the “highly-competitive” state program, the release said. The grant will allow the park — the only one located in the unincorporated community — to receive necessary renovations, upgrades and brand new amenities.
The plan for Winton Community Park is part of a larger initiative by Merced County to renovate old parks and build new ones, according to the release.
Winton Community Park was constructed in 1972. Newfound recreation opportunities will abound as plans for the park move forward.
A 5,650-foot walking path slated for construction around the perimeter of the park will allow for an easy mile-long stroll. Walkers will be accompanied by a beautified view of 20 newly planted trees and an art project designed and made by high school students.
The soccer and baseball fields, as well as the basketball court, are all scheduled to get lighting updates. The soccer field is also set to receive a face lift with grading and reseeding. Four new baseball dugouts will be added, too.
A playground, two picnic shelters and 60 graffiti-resistant tables are also on the list of brand-new facilities.
“It’s an exciting time to be a resident of Winton,” County Supervisor Lloyd Pareira, whose District 4 encompasses Winton, said in the release. “This park is loved and used often by the community. The renovation project will bring joy to many families and help beautify an often unsung gem of our county.”
County officials will soon embark on design work for the plan. Possible groundbreaking and project completion dates will be assessed in the coming weeks as the design moves forward, the release said.
In addition to the $3.7 million, the park is also getting $455,590 in per capita funding from the state’s Proposition 68 park program. Those dollars will go toward improving the restroom and concession facilities. Work is estimated to conclude by mid-2024, according to the release.
Winton is the fourth area in Merced County to be granted Proposition 68 funds, following award announcements for Livingston, Gustine and Planada.
Proposition 68 is part of the State Parks’ Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program, aimed at enhancing parks and recreation opportunities in California’s underserved communities. The per capita program is intended for rehabilitating run down infrastructure and addressing deficiencies in regions lacking access to the outdoors.
