Ceres to receive $2.8 million park grant. How will city improve Smyrna Park?
Construction to improve Smyrna Park in Ceres may begin as soon as summer 2023 thanks to a $2.87 million state grant from the Clean California Local Grant Program.
The city needs to complete a few steps before work begins, staff said Tuesday, but proposed upgrades include increasing walkways within the park, adding security cameras and installing murals.
Ceres applied for the grant from The California Department of Transportation, which last week announced Smyrna Park as one of 105 awarded projects. The $2.87 million grant will contribute to the estimated total project cost of $3.28 million.
Built over 50 years ago, the centrally located park on Moffet and Fowler roads benefits underserved residents, says the project description on Caltrans’ list. Proposed upgrades would increase park safety, add community gathering spaces and improve accessibility, per the project description.
The city proposed adding more walkways within Smyrna Park, as well as installing high-visibility crosswalk striping and curb extensions at street intersections, grant writer consultant Ann Herner said in an email.
Ceres also plans to spend the grant funds on adding security cameras and lighting along new paths, structures and playground equipment, Interim Public Works Director Sam Royal said in an email. One recent public safety incident at the park occurred last weekend, when the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department disposed of an improvised explosive device found in a bathroom.
Other improvements include increasing covered areas for gatherings, adding shade trees and trash bins, and replacing a chain link fence. The city also proposed collaborating with local high school students to install murals along the skate park. Another program may solicit local artwork at other locations in the park.
Before starting construction, Herner said Ceres needs to execute a restricted grant agreement with the state.
The City Council must also approve the design and construction contracts, Royal said.
Construction to improve Smyrna Park may begin in early summer 2023, Royal said. Ceres anticipates the work may be finished around June 2024, the project completion date for this round of Clean California grant recipients.
This story was originally published March 9, 2022 at 12:26 PM.
