Source: The Desert Sun
"Our work with Proposition 68 created the largest California funding opportunity prioritizing parks in our most underserved communities, like those in my district," Garcia said in a statement Tuesday. "These are investments that create a wide spectrum of positive benefits and will pay back dividends in increased quality of life for our residents.”
Mecca is among three communities in the 56th Assembly District that have acquired funding to develop or enhance their regional parks.
The proposed 6.7-acre sports park is receiving $5.8 million for development at the corner of Avenue 66 and Dale Kiler Road, next to the Mecca Boys & Girls Club lawmakers announced this week.
It will include a jogging path, exercise equipment, a covered picnic area, sports fields and lighting with public art.
Plans for the park date back nearly 20 years ago and efforts to build it restarted last year when it appeared funding opportunities were available, according to Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez's office.
Funding comes from Proposition 68, which voters approved in June 2018. The bond measure allocated $200 million in funding for the Salton Sea restoration and finances water projects, state and local parks, conservation programs and flood protection projects.
The parks are the first recipients of the program, according to Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia, D-Coachella, who co-authored the bill.
"Our work with Proposition 68 created the largest California funding opportunity prioritizing parks in our most underserved communities, like those in my district," Garcia said in a statement Tuesday. "These are investments that create a wide spectrum of positive benefits and will pay back dividends in increased quality of life for our residents.”
