Construction at MLK Jr. Park in west Modesto begins. When will it open?
Construction has officially begun at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park in west Modesto, which soon will feature a splash pad, gymnasium and basketball court.
A short and sweet ceremony Thursday afternoon brought together elected officials, law enforcement and community members for remarks, certificates and a ceremonial groundbreaking.
Renderings revealed plans for both the interior and exterior of the new gymnasium, as well as improvements such as a walking path, upgraded restrooms and parking, game tables, a baseball field and an outdoor stage. The gymnasium will serve as an extension of the neighboring King-Kennedy Memorial Center.
Formerly known as Mellis Park, the site was renamed in 2021 to honor the civil rights leader.
“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. famously proclaimed his dream for a nation where his children would be judged by the content of their character, not the color of their skin,” Mayor Sue Zwahlen said. “We honor Dr. King’s enduring message with this park for all members of our community to enjoy.”
In 2021, the city said it would take some time before construction began, with completion expected by fall 2024. But with work only now getting underway, residents have to wait until early 2027 before the improved park is ready to enjoy.
Delayed process
Jeremy Rogers, director of the city Parks, Recreation and Neighborhoods Department, said the project began in 2019 after a series of community meetings to gather input from residents. A splash pad was among the top requests.
Since then, the city sought $8.5 million in California State Parks grant funding for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Cesar E. Chavez and Mancini parks. The funds come from the state’s competitive park development and community revitalization program, which supports new recreation projects in underserved areas.
Modesto received its first $8.5 million grant in February 2020 to revamp Chavez Park, which includes an aquatic center, soccer field, lighted picnic pavilion and skateboard plaza. After securing that funding, the city reapplied in 2021 for improvements to MLK Jr. and Mancini parks, obtaining the state grant for MLK Jr. Park by the end of that year.
Additional funding for the MLK Jr. project came from $350,000 in community development block grants awarded in 2020 and revenue from Measure H, the 1% sales tax increase approved by voters in 2022.
In a statement to The Bee, the city said delays were due to “increased costs for goods and services in a post-pandemic environment as well as coordinating several large construction projects for the City.”
Chavez Park, which also has been delayed, is expected to reopen by summer following its closure in November 2024. Some funding originally designated for MLK Jr. Park and other projects was reallocated to help complete Chavez Park.
Rogers told the City Council last year that the MLK Jr. Park renovation would be fully funded once construction began in June 2025 — four months earlier than when work ultimately started.
“Countless amazing improvements and new amenities are on the horizon, all designed to bring families, neighbors and the community together as a whole,” said Rogers.
A park for the community
Perfecto Muñoz, chief executive officer of the West Modesto Community Collaborative, said the upgrades to the park will help enhance safety, reduce crime and promote outdoor recreation. They also could help spark future economic development investment in the area, like a new bank and shopping centers.
“The residents need to feel that this is something that they own,” Muñoz said.
Councilmember Eric Alvarez, who represents the district that includes the park, said he and his family will personally be using it. “I own a home around the corner of the street, so I understand how impactful this space is to families,” Alvarez said.
Councilmember Jeremiah Williams, who has lived in the community for 45 years, said he’s looking forward to his grandchildren and the kids of the community enjoying the park. “This is a beautiful thing,” Williams said.
Wendy Byrd, president of the local NAACP and member of the Community Police Review Board, said she hopes the park will support one of the board’s goals — reducing youth arrests by offering more activities and spaces for young people.
