Renovations at Stark Field playground unveiled
EL CENTRO — City o cials used a ribbon-cutting for playground improvements at Stark Field as an opportunity to tout how Measure P funds have been put to use for the benefit of the community.
The playground underwent a three-month reconstruction process that included new swings, climbing equipment and a new installed shade roof. The playground’s concrete bottom was also replaced with a soft rubber floor.
“We have a variety of sporting events, family celebrations and also city events that we’ve had here,” Mayor Edgard Garcia said. “This is a wonderful, wonderful design. It’s one of the nicer ones that we’ve seen so far. I’m very, very impressed with the work that we’ve done to get this.”
The cost of the improvements was $103,000, which was funded by Measure P.
The ballot measure, which voters approved in November 2016, added 0.5 percentage point to the local sales tax to provide for major capital needs within the city.
The Stark Field playground was part of the city’s second round of approved projects.
The frequent use of Stark Field for youth sports further added to the importance of improving the park, Garcia said.
“This park actually has a very special meaning for me because, even before I was on the council, I was coaching Pop Warner on that field over there,” the mayor said. “I think it’s going to be utilized by all of the residents, not just this neighborhood here, but everybody that comes out here to practice baseball, softball and football who come from all areas of the city. It’s very, very useful to have a very nice playground when you have the older child practicing, and you have the younger one who is not practicing and wants to do something.”
El Centro Police Department Chief Brian Johnson was among those in attendance for the ceremony.
“This park is one of the gems in the city, and I think the important thing about this is visibly,” Johnson said. “Residents can drive by, and they can see their Measure P funds actually going to work.”
Johnson said he believed the upgraded playground equipment, as well as the surrounding linked fence, should provide a safer playing experience for kids.
“You can tell by being here today, the park is an incredible place where you feel safe,” Johnson said. “From the fencing standpoint, I look at that more as because of the traffic. With Fourth Street being a busy street, I think that’s an important added safety value, especially now that you have this playground here for kids.”