Of all the city services hammered by the economic downturn, parks may have taken the biggest hit. But two neighborhoods got a big boost this week that will help ease that cycle.
The city received $5.6 million in state grants to build a new park in the Fruitridge Manor neighborhood of south Sacramento and to renovate McClatchy Park in Oak Park.
The news in Fruitridge Manor was particularly sweet. It's one of the few neighborhoods in the city without a park and residents have been fighting hard for years.
Three years ago, the city was able to purchase the former Manor Recreation and Swim Club with plans of eventually building a park. Now, with $2.8 million in Prop. 84 funds, "dreams of 'one-day' having a park in the neighborhood became a reality this week," said the area's council member, Kevin McCarty.
The park will include a children's playground, skate park, BBQ grills, a half basketball court, soccer field and fitness stations.
Across town, McClatchy Park's renovation got a boost from $2.8 million in Prop. 84 funds. The park that will soon be the site of a revamped farmer's market is also getting a children's play structure, basketball court, jogging track, tennis court and skate park.
"This is a very exciting time to live in Oak Park," said Councilman Jay Schenirer, who represents the area. "The new facilities will bring many more families and kids into the park."
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