The California State Parks has awarded $41.9 million in new grants for eight projects that expand outdoor access in underserved communities, including one in San Joaquin County.

Stockton’s Van Buskirk Park renovation received $7,016,086 to build a new skate park, two full-size basketball courts, and BMX/bike trails with lights and landscaping.

The grants were provided through round four of the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Grant Program, which advances the state’s commitment to expanding safe and equitable outdoor access for California residents.

Amenities planned for the Van Buskirk Park project are shown in an image obtained from the Van Buskirk Park Master Plan approved in August 2023 by the Stockton City Council. Visitors will be able to enjoy pickleball courts, a dog park, trails, playground facilities, an amphitheater and golf training center, among other new additions. (City of Stockton)

“All Californians deserve to experience the natural beauty our state has to offer, and I’m proud of the work we’re doing to expand outdoor access, regardless of your zip code or income,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement.

To date, the program has provided approximately $1.2 billion to California communities for new and renovated outdoor recreation spaces, according to a news release from the governor’s office.

Other counties given funding in the recent round included Fresno, Kern, Los Angeles, Sacramento and Yolo.

Victoria Franco is a reporter based in Stockton covering San Joaquin County for Bay City News Foundation and its nonprofit news site Local News Matters. She is a Report for America corps member.

Victoria Franco is a Stockton-based reporter covering the diverse news around the Central Valley as part of the Report for America program. As a Stockton native, Franco is proud to cover stories within her community and report a variety of coverage. She is a San Jose State University alumna with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism. In her collegiate years she was Managing Editor for the Spartan Daily. From her time at the Spartan Daily she helped lead her staff to California College Media Awards and a General Excellence first place. Victoria encourages readers to email her story tips and ideas at victoria.franco@baycitynews.com.