In little less than a year’s time, a south Turlock neighborhood will be home to the “crown jewel” of parks in the city.
City staff provided a public update Thursday to inform a group of about two dozen members of the public what’s in store in the coming months during the Phase 2 of the Montana Park project — and to hear public feedback and concerns.
Currently, Montana Park is 1.9 acres of wide-open ground, with handful of concrete benches and a walking path that meanders around the park. Phase 2 will add another 2.6 acres, and will amenities include nine pickleball courts, two full-sized basketball courts, four half-sized basketball courts, and another area with futsal courts, a game that could best described as pick-up soccer.
There will also be an ADA-accessible playground, swing sets, outdoor fitness equipment, covered seating areas, restrooms, and a 25-space parking area.
It’s all part of the estimated $4.6 million project that is supported through a combination of state, regional, and local grant funding.
Funding includes $2.4 million from the 2018 Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Grant Program, $435,000 secured through the Office of state Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil (R-Jackson), $150,000 secured through Stanislaus County District 2 Supervisor Vito Chiesa, and a $58,845 grant award from Turlock Irrigation District.
“We have heard the public’s comments and are making some amendments to the plan,” said District 2 Councilmember Rebecka Monez. “This was the whole purpose of having the community meeting at the park. We will not be able to satisfy every request that was made, but there are some issues that resolvable, and we’re already taking steps to address those.”
On hand for the city was Municipal Services Director Christopher Fisher, along with Janine Lee, project manager for the city’s engineering division.
“Phase 1 of Montana Park has already been completed,” Fisher told the assembly under beautifully sunny skies and warm breeze. “That phase transformed this space into an active recreational area serving families right here in the neighborhood. From the beginning, this park was planned in phases so we could responsible expand amenities over time. There were many community meetings that were instrumental in shaping the upcoming changes we are going to discuss tonight.”
Fisher and Lee field questions about street-parking burdens in the neighborhood, the available of restrooms year-round, and the impact of wind on the players on the athletic courts.
“I’m appreciative of the public’s input,” said Monez. “Some have called this park the future crown jewel of Turlock parks, so we want to get it absolutely right.”
The project is expected to go out to bid in the spring, with construction slated to being in the summer, and the ribbon-cutting to happen before the end of 2026.
