Montana Park in Turlock set to double in size. When will it open?
Montana Park soon will more than double in size and feature one of Turlock’s first playgrounds fully accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“We believe that will be a significant improvement for inclusion,” said Turlock Municipal Services Director Christopher Fisher.
Montana Park’s second phase will introduce expanded recreational amenities designed to serve residents of all ages and abilities, including a playground, an outdoor fitness area, and basketball, pickleball and multi-sport courts.
Located at 1001 Montana Ave., the park opened in 2016, with its initial phase transforming a former field into a community open play area with a walking path and seating. The second and final phase was shaped by public input gathered during five community meetings in 2019, where residents expressed interest in multi-sport courts, basketball and fitness structures.
“I think the community was really excited about getting into pickleball. That was a growing sport at that point in time, and we were able to hear those comments and suggestions,” Fisher said. The current design includes nine pickleball courts.
The $4.6 million project is funded through a mix of state, regional and local grants. Turlock received $2.4 million from the 2018 Statewide Park Program, $435,000 through the office of state Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil, $150,000 from Stanislaus County District 2 Supervisor Vito Chiesa and most recently, $58,845 from the Turlock Irrigation District.
As for the remaining $1.5 million needed, Fisher said he’s working with the city manager and the finance director to determine the final funding sources. He said he doesn’t anticipate this to cause any delays.
The final design is expected to be completed this month, with bidding set for May and construction potentially beginning at the end of summer. While an exact opening date will depend on the bidding process, Fisher said the city is aiming for summer 2027.
