Modesto park reopens after $31M infrastructure upgrades. What’s new?
J.M. Pike Park in Modesto has reopened with new amenities and a major infrastructure overhaul aimed at fixing longstanding stormwater issues.
The 6-acre park at Kearney and Princeton avenues, near Modesto Junior College’s East Campus, reopened Friday following completion of the Pike Park Stormwater to Sanitary Sewer Cross-Connection Removal and Water Main Project. The $31 million effort was backed by $10 million from the State Water Resources Control Board’s Proposition 1 Storm Water Grant Program.
“The city is excited for the completion of the J.M Pike Park Stormwater to Sanitary Sewer Cross Connection Removal and Water Main Project and the reopening of the park to the public,” the city wrote in a statement to The Bee. “The city appreciates the patience of the public as the project encountered several construction complications and the city worked diligently with the contractor to ensure the newly planted turf was fully established and ready for use before opening the public.”
The park was initially anticipated to reopen in early spring but instead opened late September. “Pike Park officially reopened and is looking good!” Councilmember Chris Ricci wrote in a Facebook post.
Why was the park closed?
Pike Park had been closed since February 2024 while the city completed the final phase of the major water infrastructure project.
The work was designed to reduce local flooding, improve groundwater recharge, improve water pressure and reliability and cut down on wastewater treatment costs.
Before, excess stormwater would drain directly into the city’s sewer system through cross-connections — points where potable water lines were linked to nonpotable sources. During heavy storms, this would send a surge of water into the sanitary sewer system, leading to overflows and street flooding.
To fix the issue, Modesto has been removing cross-connections citywide. At Pike Park, the city installed a new underground stormwater drainage system that will alleviate street flooding while providing local groundwater recharge.
The Pike Park upgrades also included replacing water mains, meters, laterals and fire hydrants in parts of the surrounding neighborhood, as well as removing nonfunctioning dry wells.
This marked the third and final stage of the city’s effort, following similar projects completed at Garrison Park in 2014 and Roosevelt Park in 2019.
This story was originally published October 2, 2025 at 8:34 AM.
