Mary E. Grogan Community Park opens with Modesto’s tallest playground
Mary E. Grogan Community Park, now home to Modesto’s tallest playground and soon its first cricket pitch, has officially opened after some setbacks.
The 43-acre park sits on city-owned land in northeast Modesto, off Sylvan Avenue east of Enochs High School.
Construction was completed in two phases. Phase 1 developed about 28 acres, featuring seven lighted soccer fields enclosed by a perimeter fence and gates.
In June 2024, the City Council approved a contract with Modesto-based George Reed Inc. to complete the second phase of construction.
Phase 2 expanded the park by nine acres and broke ground in August 2024. It added a new restroom, pavilion, two new soccer fields and a playground. The playground includes two play structures — one for children ages 2 to 5, the other for ages 6 to 12.
The expansion will also include the city’s first cricket pitch, for which community groups had expressed interest. The cricket pitch is scheduled to open later this year, according to the city.
Completion of the park was originally scheduled for last spring but was pushed to fall after equipment arrived late and wet winter weather slowed construction. It was pushed back again to February 2026 due to weather and the long lead times for specialized equipment.
The park is named for the city’s former parks and recreation director. Its master plan was approved by the City Council in 2004 and first opened in 2013.
The project’s total budget was over $5.6 million and was funded through the city’s Capital Facility Fees for parks and air quality. The fees are paid by new development to help provide recreation amenities citywide.
Mary E. Grogan Park will be open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and includes more than 500 parking spaces. City officials have asked residents to stay off the newly planted grass while it grows.
A community meeting for the Parks, Recreation & Neighborhoods Master Plan update is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 5:30 p.m. at the McHenry Museum. Residents are invited to share ideas and learn about future park programs and projects.
This story was originally published February 7, 2026 at 6:00 AM.
