Chula Vista nabs $9 million for Parks

Community Revitalization Grant

Chula Vista, Calif.- The City of Chula Vista was awarded $9 million from a California State Park Development and Community Revitalization Grant.

More than 100 communities in the state were provided funding as part of Governor Gavin Newsom's "Outdoors for All" initiative to enable all Californians, regardless of Zip code or income, to access parks and open space.

Chula Vista received $1.9 million to construct a new park named after former City Councilmember, Patty Davis, who passed away in 2019. The .81-acre Patty Davis Park will be built on the City's western side at D Street and Woodlawn Avenue. Following input from local residents, the City Council and the Parks & Recreation Commission, plans for the park include picnic/BBQ area, game tables, open lawn area, tot lot with two play structures, community garden, park benches, bike racks, pet waste station, lighting and a shade structure.

Another $7.1 million was granted for improvements to Eucalyptus Park, located at 436 C Street, which is the second oldest park in the City established in 1926. Several workshops were held to receive input from the community on what improvements are most important to them. New elements planned for the park include a perimeter walking path, fitness equipment, interactive water feature/splash pad, bike skills playground, beginner skate/scooter plaza, a lighted soccer arena, and additional drinking fountains. Other upgrades to Eucalyptus Park include improved lighting, pathway from lower to upper Eucalyptus, renovated dog park, stormwater channel improvements, fencing, and playground equipment.

A complete renovation of the former YMCA building, which is adjacent to the main Eucalyptus Park area, is included and it will be repurposed as a makers-space for art and artists. Plans are to name the building Casa Casillas which also will be a venue for artistic events and programs.

Construction on both projects is tentatively scheduled to begin in the fall of 2023 with an estimated completion date of spring 2025.