Work begins on new city park that marks Somerton’s 100th anniversary

SOMERTON — Work is underway on a new park that Somerton officials plan to unveil as part of the city’s 100th anniversary celebration in June.

City officials and others turned over shovels of dirt in a groundbreaking ceremony on March 1 for Centennial Park, and actual earth-moving work began this week at the site at 316 N. Somerton Ave., on the city’s north side. The park will be located at the base of the city water tower that can be seen on Somerton’s skyline from miles away.

The city’s contract with Yuma Valley Contractors calls for the work to be done in 75 days, said Hector Tapia, Somerton’s acting city administrator.

“So the park should be ready in May, in time for the official centennial event that will take place June 2-4.”

Somerton was established in 1898 and was incorporated in June of 1918.

Yuma Valley Contractors was hired to develop the park at a cost of a little more than $300,000, not counting a water splash fountain where children will be able to gather under geysers of water, getting relief from the summer heat.

The city has yet to select a contractor for the fountain, expected to cost nearly $160,000.

The park will also feature lowmaintenance landscaping planted along a walkway that will lead to a lower-lying area near the base of the water tower. That area will serve as an amphitheater for performing arts exhibitions and other displays.

Tapia said city officials are also considering a second phase of the project that would involve converting a nearby building currently used by a Somerton boxing club into a historical museum and cafeteria.