Parks in Planada, Gustine to see $3.7 million in total upgrades in Merced County
After what is described as “eight long years of hard work,” the small community of Planada has secured a sizable grant of $2.4 million in state funds to revitalize its Houlihan Park.
Meanwhile on the other side of Merced County, Pioneer Park in Gustine will receive $1.3 million.
The funds are coming from state money granted through Proposition 68, passed by California voters in 2018 to create new parks and recreation activities.
“It wasn’t easy but collectively the community rallied (and) fought long and hard for this to come to fruition,” said Yolanda Trevino Rangel, a longtime Planada resident who has been involved in the effort from the beginning, according to a news release.
Planada’s and Gustine’s applications were selected from 487 others across the state.
Repairs and restorations
The only park in Planada, Houlihan will be upgraded to include features such as a splash pad, outdoor stage, eight new benches welded by Le Grand High School students and a jogging path with lights and an exercise station.
In Gustine, Pioneer Park will receive upgrades like a new basketball court, splash pad, playground, free play area, picnic areas and install fencing around the park.
The 4 acre Houlihan Park’s current amenities will be upgraded as well. The plan calls for its basketball court to be resurfaced, its lights replaced and a shade covering to protect the existing playground.
Eleven graffiti-resistant metal picnic tables will replace old ones. Additionally, two picnic pavilions with six tables and barbecues as well as three new picnic shelters with four tables each will be added.
“The future of our community looks brighter,” said Planada community leader Leticia Mungia in the release. “This is the only park our families have access to and we must protect our precious green and open spaces that are critical to the development of children.”
A community-driven initiative
The effort in Planada began years ago through Building Healthy Communities, a health equity initiative funded by The California Endowment that promotes residents as leaders and problem solvers in their communities.
From the start, rejuvenating Houlihan Park was zeroed in on as a community priority.
In collaboration with nonprofits and Merced County, the group submitted a grant proposal through the Proposition 68 California Parks, Environment and Water Bond. The program seeks to add new parks and recreation initiatives for underserved California communities.
The grant proposal recommendations were developed by Planada residents, who created a parks master plan uniquely fitted for the community’s needs.
“Community and community organizing have to be connected to any system change efforts especially in low income communities,” said Claudia Corchado of the nonprofit Cultiva La Salud. “Leaders, stakeholders and funders should not plan for policy, systems or environmental changes without residents leading the change.”
Merced County Supervisor Rodrigo Espinoza, whose District 1 encompasses Planada, championed the project, according to the release.
“I am proud of what the community members have been able to accomplish,” Espinoza said in the release.
“In my role as a board supervisor I have been committed to making sure that communities like Planada and others across my district get the resources so that our children, who live in and among these communities, have adequate and safe parks to play in.”
This story was originally published February 25, 2020 at 6:34 PM.
