Oakdale approves BMX park

OAKDALE -- With encouragement from young BMX cyclists, the City Council voted Monday night to spend $700,000 on 2.9 acres of future parkland.

The purchase moves Oakdale a step closer to building a park along the south entry to downtown that will have room for skateboards, the cyclists, picnickers and other users.

A $4.375 million state grant awarded in March is covering the cost of the park, which will be on the east side of Yosemite Avenue between H and J streets.

"I support this strongly because I think it will be good for the youth in the future," BMX enthusiast Troy Holder said before the vote.

Councilman Tom Dunlop joined in the unanimous vote despite concerns that the park could be a drain on the police budget.

Amy Augustine, the consultant who wrote the grant application, said the planners have talked with police about using lighting and other measures to keep the place safe.

The park, which could be built in the next couple of years, would feature a plaza for skaters and BMX riders, an outdoor performing arts center, a children's play area, a community garden, a path and agility course, and other amenities.

The funding came from Proposition 84 of 2006, which includes a grant program for parks in underserved communities. Lathrop got $5 million from the same fund.

Bee staff writer John Holland can be reached at jholland@modbee.com or (209) 578-2385.