Earlier this week, California State Parks announced $41.9 million in grant funding to support the diverse park needs of communities across the state. Among the recipients was Yolo County's Knights Landing, which was awarded $814,649.
According to a press release from the California Department of Parks and Recreation, the grant, announced on Thursday, was awarded under "Round Four" of the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Grant Program.
Locally, the journey toward securing funding for the Knights Landing Community Park, a dream of the community that has been tirelessly pursued, has been marked by resilience and community collaboration.
"Through unwavering dedication and persistent efforts, we've overcome challenges to secure funding," stated Yolo County Supervisor Angel Barajas. "I am thrilled that the state of California has awarded the grant, making them a vital partner for Yolo County, particularly benefiting the Knights Landing community. This investment will significantly enhance the Knights Landing community, marking a milestone in our pursuit of progress and prosperity. We look forward to ground-breaking in February or March of 2024."
The park will include a new soccer field, little league/softball field, a full-size basketball court, ball wall, children's playground, perimeter 6-foot wide walking/jogging path, shaded picnic and BBQ area, open natural grass area, parking lot, plaza area with picnic tables, shade trees, a renovation of an existing restroom and farmers market/food truck areas for community gathering space.
According to Barajas' deputy Monica Rivera, Yolo County initiated an inclusive community-based planning process in 2018, responding to the heartfelt desires of its residents. The Project Development Team, consisting of 15 local representatives with ties to various community facets played a crucial role in identifying
stakeholders, organizing events and gathering input through surveys and design charrettes.
Community planning led to the discovery and protection of a 7-plus acre vacant park that was the property of the Woodland Joint Unified School District and was close to the district's Sci-Tech Academy in Knights Landing.
Yolo County and the district signed a formal land use agreement to build the proposed park. The partnership guaranteed that the park would be centrally positioned, promoting accessibility and community engagement.
Despite facing previous setbacks and rejections for state funding, the park project persisted, and after Barajas was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2020, local stakeholders sought his support.
Barajas moved into action, securing funding for the project. With Yolo County receiving almost $43 million in American Rescue Plan funds, Barajas led the way for the substantial $1.6 million that was recommended and approved during a board meeting on March 22, 2022, and an additional $1.7 million in funding later that year to secure the construction of the project.
According to state and federal guidelines, Knights Landing is classified as a "disadvantaged community" and an "economically distressed area." The community faces economic challenges with a median household income of $47,000 and over 75% of the population meeting low- or low-moderate-income criteria. The new park is poised to be a catalyst for positive change and community development.
With funding in place, the project has entered the bidding phase, attracting significant interest from potential contractors.
According to Rivera, bids are due on Feb. 1, 2023, with board approval expected during the supervisors' meeting on Feb. 13, 2024. The much-anticipated park is projected to be completed by the end of 2024 or early 2025.
To date, the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Grant Program has provided approximately $1.2 billion to California's communities. "Round Four" received the highest amount requested in State Parks' nearly 50-year history of grant administration.
"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," stated California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. "State Parks is incredibly grateful to all the organizations who applied for grant funding this round."
Seven other state projects were awarded funding including $8.5 million to Sacramento County for the Southgate R.P.D., Jack N. Sheldon Park & Florin Creek Trail, $7 million to San Joaquin County for the city of Stockton, Van Buskirk Park Renovation, $4 million to Fresno County for the city of Reedley, Camacho Park Project and $7.3 million to Kern County for the Potomac Park Neighborhood Project.
Los Angeles County received funding for three projects including $963,060 for the Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust, Zela Davis Park Renovation, $5.8 million for the Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust, Jefferson Park Project and $7.3 million for the City of Paramount, Paramount Park Community Center Expansion.
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