The City of Stockton will be hosting a ribbon cutting and celebration to officially dedicate new basketball court features and open the new playground at Dentoni Park, 1430 Royal Oaks Drive, on Thursday, July 14, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. The ribbon cutting will feature guest speakers, basketball games and drills, open playground play, and refreshments.
“Dentoni Park is a wonderful neighborhood park,” said Councilmember Sol Jobrack. “The mural is something that I really wanted to see happen to give this park a special identity and colorful feature, so we worked with the Stockton Arts Commission to engage an artist who created something exciting and reflective of our community. At the same time, we learned that our State Assemblymember had worked to provide funding that would replace the existing, decades old playground equipment and provide for some additional park improvements.”
Funding for the new playground was championed by California State Assemblymember Carlos Villapudua who advocated for and secured State funding in the amount of $250,000, allowing for updated playground equipment and surface, as well as funding for future park enhancements.
The playground was constructed in the existing play areas at Dentoni Park. It features a nature theme, which fits into the lush Oak tree canopy that surrounds the site. There are swings, slides, a half dozen climbers, a sliding pole and much more. The equipment selection was based on research from early childhood development experts to determine how children play and interact with their caregivers. The designs use 23 elements of sensory, motor skills, cognitive skills and social/emotional skills and is designed for children ages 2-12.
Nationally acclaimed artist Jason Tetlak created and painted the basketball court mural. Tetlak, who is known for his murals and artwork in Denver, Texas, Las Vegas, Miami, Tuscaloosa, and Jacksonville (FL), that accentuate public spaces and are functional, making ordinary spaces interesting and interactive.
“These huge improvements are worth celebrating,” continued Councilmember Jobrack. We look forward to seeing community members from throughout the City at the ribbon cutting on Thursday.”
For more information, please visit www.stocktonca.gov or call (209) 937-8827.