BRENDA HUGGINS HAS lived a few blocks from McKinley Park in South Stockton for all of her life. And she’s thrilled her childhood playground is about to get a much-needed facelift.
The City of Stockton recently broke ground on the renovation of McKinley Park, located on the corner of Eighth and El Dorado streets. The 22-acre municipal park — the largest in South Stockton — will undergo a $15.63 million makeover.
The upgrades include a new pool house and renovated pool, new basketball courts, new soccer and softball fields, new playground equipment, reconstruction of the parking lot, and the addition of two shade structures and more than 100 planted trees.
The target date for reopening the park is late 2025.
The first tree, a cork oak, was planted April 23 during a ceremonial moment in which city elected leaders tossed shovels full of dirt and watered the plant. Onlookers were also invited to put their signature on the renovation project sign hanging on the side of the pool wall.
“My sisters, and my cousins and my friends, we all swam in this pool, and I brought my kids here to swim,” said Huggins, 55, who was one of the first to sign. “It’s real important that they are (renovating) because this is a neighborhood park, and they used to have a lot of events here, and recreation for the kids. It’s very important they restore this park.”
Stockton Vice Mayor Kimberly Warmsley, who represents the district in which McKinley Park is located, said the renovation project has been in the works for several years and is an indication that the city is determined to use resources for the south side of the city.
“This is about restoring hope, restoring community, restoring trust,” Warmsley said. “We’re so excited this project is moving forward.”
According to city officials, $13.75 million is coming from state funds, including $8.5 million in Proposition 68, $2.7 million in State Budget Act 2021, $1.8 million in State Budget Act 2022, $750,000 from the Transformative Climate Communities Program, and $1.88 million from the city’s Measure M Strong Communities Fund.
“One of the things I’ve always believed in and practiced as a public administrator is that it is important for residents and taxpayers to see their money,” Stockton City Manager Harry Black said. “Any opportunity where they can see something brick and mortar, something tangible, only strengthens the cohesion of the community. In this case, obviously, South Stockton is disadvantaged in many ways. And as a city government, we have prioritized South Stockton.”
Chad Reed, Stockton’s director of public works, said the park will remain closed during the renovations. The project team includes the community services department, public works department, Callander Associates (design consultant) and Otto Construction (contractor).
More information about the project is available on the city’s website.
The story originally appeared in Stocktonia.
