The City of Davis announced today that it has been awarded a grant in the amount of $2.78 million by the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Grant Program to renovate Central Park and create an interactive water play feature near the existing universal play structure and restroom. This project is one of 112 projects out of 465 projects submitted that received funding of this fourth and final round of funding.
California State Parks today announced a total of $548.3 million in grant funding to deliver new parks to more than 100 communities and advance the Newsom Administration’s “Outdoors for All” initiative to enable all Californians to access parks and open space. Today’s grants represent the single-largest investment in state history in expanding access to parks in underserved communities with new or enhanced parks funded in every region of California.
“We are thrilled to receive this grant that will add so much to Central Park,” said Mayor Gloria Partida. “In addition to the interactive splash pad water feature, there will be new pollinator gardens, tree planting, new public art, added seating as well as a renovation of the park’s lawn with a new, water-efficient irrigation system.”
The following is a full list of all new amenities funded in the award:
• Interactive water feature and gathering space for all ages
• New water-efficient irrigation system utilizing recycled water from the interactive water feature
• Solar-powered, ultraviolet disinfection system, eliminating the need for chemical treatment of the water
• Biofiltration basins near the interactive water feature will capture stormwater and increase groundwater recharge
• Creation of new pollinator gardens
• New native plant identification signs and an educational display about drought-tolerant, native landscaping
• New public art
• Added benches and low-wall seating
• Increased number of shade structures
• Planting of six new trees
• Fencing to allow more seating in grassy area
“This project’s features will significantly improve the health and quality of life for Davis residents and visitors by providing a safe opportunity to play outdoors,” said Vice Mayor Lucas Frerichs. “The water play feature that is free and inclusive will help keep everyone cool during the hottest months of the year, creating a social destination for people of all ages.”
Lois Wolk, former State Senator and acting chair of the Splash Pad Committee that collaborated on the grant and will continue to work to move this project forward, said, “The Splash Pad will be a perfect addition to Central Park and the Davis Farmers Market, the bike-powered carousel, and the Hattie Weber Museum. Thank you to the committee members who supported the effort and who look forward to the updating of this well-loved gathering area. Kudos to the City Council and City staff for its successful efforts!”
The interactive water aquatic feature is accessible for persons with disabilities and will complement the existing universal playground located directly next to the new water feature, which will enhance Central Park as a recreation destination that exceeds American with Disabilities Act standards.
About the State Parks Program
Today’s awards are funded by $153 million approved by the Legislature in the 2021-22 state budget and $395.3 from the California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018 (Proposition 68). To date, the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Grant Program has provided $1.16 billion to California’s communities in four rounds, including $368 million in grant funding from Proposition 84 (2006 Bond Act) Sustainable Communities and Climate Change Reduction program.
This competitive program will create new parks and new recreation opportunities in underserved communities across California. Assembly Bill 31, which created the SPP, was signed into law on September 30, 2008. SPP statute is found in Public Resources Code §§5640 through 5653. Funding for the grant program was first made available through the Proposition 84 (2006 Bond Act) Sustainable Communities and Climate Change Reduction chapter (Public Resources Code § 75065 (b) (1-5). Prop. 84 funded two rounds. Under the two Prop. 84 rounds, $2.9 billion was requested for $368 million in funding. Over 100 new parks were created and 20 existing parks were improved throughout California. Proposition 68 (2018 Bond Act) continues this program’s legacy.