Most of Turlock’s residents have at one time or another been to Donnelly Park. Whether it was during the annual Love Turlock rally, an end-of-the-year field day for local schools or just to visit the park’s famous duck population, it is an iconic part of the city’s culture. The large community park, located at 600 Pedras Rd., could soon see some upgrades, as the city is in the process of applying for a state grant.

California State Parks is offering the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program Round 5 Grant, which provides grant funding to support parks in local communities. The program funds the creation of new parks, the expansion of existing parks and the renovation of current park facilities.

Potential improvements under consideration for Donnelly Park include upgrades to existing amenities—such as playgrounds and restrooms—as well as the addition of new recreational opportunities such as interior walking paths with a bridge over the lake, a bike park track, an outdoor fitness amenity, a multi-sport court and a dog park.

“We are looking to the community and their input as to what is important to them and what would the community like to see at Donnelly Park. We will use the community’s feedback to pursue applicable grant opportunities to help enhance one of Turlock’s premier parks,” said Recreation Superintendent Juan Vargas.

The city has been taking surveys out to public events to get community input. So far, they have had upwards of 50 community surveys submitted with many more informal conversations taking place with community members that staff are making note of for the grant, said Vargas.

To complete a survey, contact the Recreation Division at 209-668-5594 or recreation@turlock.ca.us.

Those visiting Donnelly Park in the coming weeks should take extra care in regards to some of its residents, namely the ducks and geese.

“Right now is during their breeding time and they have been laying eggs. Any time this happens they can become a little more territorial and aggressive,” said Vargas.

He also cautioned against feeding the water fowl as it leads to many issues. Bread is junk food for ducks, geese and fish. It leaves them malnourished. Uneaten food rots in the lake, causing algae growth and low oxygen levels making the water unhealthy for wildlife.

One large one that people see and the city staff hears about a lot, is the droppings. One adult goose can produce upwards of 1.5-2 pounds of waste per day. The more people feed the fowl, the more it amplifies the issue. This is especially true when being fed bread and table scraps.

City staff urge visitors to the park to admire the water fowl from a distance and instead of feeding them bread, take a photo instead.