Mayor Ashley Swearengin and council members Oliver Baines, Paul Capriolio and Sal Quintero held a press conference at Vinland Park, May 11th, to share the proposed city park upgrades – part of the proposed 2016 budget.
The mayor has about 5-6 million dollars for substantial rehabilitation of parks – taking care of what’s already built.
Ideas proposed in their districts – more greenspace, soccer fields, playground equipment and even bathrooms.
A new zero profile splash park is in the budget for Vinland – the free park will be shared by families and nearby students according to District 4 Councilman Paul Capriolio.
“That will enable the 650 students at Vinland Elementary to enjoy the water park to come over here after school and enjoy the water park and enjoy the amenities here.” – Councilman Paul Capriolio
Acknowledging the water rations -the Mayor says the splash park will use recirculated water that’s drought friendly.
District 4’s Cary Park – behind Fashion Fair — will also see new restrooms, a restoration of the baseball diamonds and Councilman Capriolio says they will rebuild the baseball program.
At the Mosqueda Community Center, in District 3 – they’ll see new gym floors, restroom and landscaping upgrades.
At Pilibos Park – they’ll add goals, bleachers, a drinking fountain and renovate the soccer field,
District 3 will see the creation of a 2.5 billion dollar cultural arts park, pool renovations at Frank H. Ball and upgrades to lighting,, fencing and equipment.
Mayor Swearengin says they have 3 challenges ahead, including new higher parks standards, needing more park space – which is not evenly distributed as growth moved north, and they need to maintain what’s already there.
Over the next 20 years, the city’s goal is to have 5 acres per one thousand residents…they are currently at 3 acres per resident.
