California State Parks Awards $41.9 Million in Grants for New Parks

California State Parks has announced the allocation of $41.9 million in grant funding to enhance park accessibility and diversity across the state. This grant program, known as “Round Four” of the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Grant Program, is set to provide new park access to eight communities in California.

The Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Grant Program has, to date, contributed approximately $1.2 billion to communities throughout California. Round Four received the highest amount of requests in the program’s nearly 50-year history.

“Having access to outdoor spaces is critical for all Californians and these projects will contribute to the quality of life for many people who seek local parks to improve their physical, mental and social well-being,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “State Parks is incredibly grateful to all the organizations who applied for grant funding this round.”

The eight projects awarded grants are as follows:

1. Reedley, Fresno County: $4,049,992 for the Camacho Park Project, which includes a new walking path, group picnic area, restroom, signage, and public art, among other improvements.
2. Bakersfield, Kern County: $7,384,000 for the Potomac Park Neighborhood Project, involving the construction of various amenities, including a soccer field, splash pad, dog park, and more.
3. Hawthorne, Los Angeles County: $963,060 for the Zela Davis Park Renovation, featuring a new playground, basketball court, picnic area, and other enhancements.
4. Los Angeles, Los Angeles County: $5,800,000 for the Jefferson Park Project, creating a new park with amenities such as a playground, sand and water play area, and skate spot.
5. Paramount, Los Angeles County: $7,372,213 for the Paramount Park Community Center Expansion, which includes the construction of dedicated senior activity spaces and other improvements.
6. Sacramento, Sacramento County: $8,500,000 for the Jack N. Sheldon Park & Florin Creek Trail project, which involves acquiring land and creating various recreational facilities.
7. Stockton, San Joaquin County: $7,016,086 for the Van Buskirk Park Renovation, including the construction of a new skate park and basketball courts.
8. Knight’s Landing, Yolo County: $814,649 for the Knights Landing Community Park project, creating a new park with sports fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, and more.

This funding was provided through Proposition 84 (2006 Bond Act) Sustainable Communities and Climate Change Reduction, Proposition 68 (2018 Bond Act), and additional general fund money. Since 2000, California State Parks’ Office of Grants and Local Services has administered over $3 billion in local assistance grants, enhancing parks and outdoor experiences throughout the state.