(SACRAMENTO, CA)— Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) is proud to announce and celebrate the successful acquisition of over $15 million in Proposition 68 funding for parks in his district. Today, California State Parks released the latest recipients of the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Grant Program, including projects from Mecca, Calexico, and Heber. This marks the first round of the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Grant Program awards financed by Proposition 68.
“I am excited to announce a major local parks victory - Mecca, Calexico, and Heber will be receiving over $15 million in Proposition 68 funds for park projects. These are exactly the types of investments we have been pushing for since arriving in Sacramento. Our work with Proposition 68 created the largest California funding opportunity prioritizing parks in our most underserved communities, like those in my district. These are investments that create a wide spectrum of positive benefits and will pay back dividends in increased quality of life for our residents,” said Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia, joint author of Proposition 68 and Chair of the Assembly Committee on Water, Parks, and Wildlife.
The Eastern Coachella Valley community of Mecca will receive $5,817,660 to construct a new regional park with a jogging path, exercise equipment, covered picnic/BBQ area, sports fields, lighting, and public art.
Two projects in Imperial County were awarded. The City of Calexico was allocated $8,500,000 to expand Heber Park including a new multi-purpose gym, outdoor basketball court with lights, a soccer field with lights, walking trail, athletic track, picnic areas, and seating throughout the park. The Heber Public Utilities District will receive $700,000 to renovate and improve their children’s park.
In 2018, California voters approved Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia’s California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018 (Proposition 68).
This bond measure, joint authored by Garcia, allocated several landmark investments such as $200 million for the Salton Sea and New River, and $725 million to enhance recreational opportunities in park-poor neighborhoods.
