Mendota To Receive Grant for R-P Park Play Area

On August 1, at the First 5 Fresno County Commission Regular Business Meeting the City of Mendota was granted a substantial award of $951,400.00 to be used for construction costs of an outdoor play area at the Rojas – Pierce Park. First 5 Fresno thought that Mendota’s park project was directly aligned with their organizations efforts being that it was developed through the Commission’s Emerging Opportunities partnership process and it will directly benefit Mendota’s 0 -5 years old population.

The City of Mendota was well represented at the meeting demonstrating strong support from multiple facets of the community. Led by Mayor Robert Silva and Councilman Leo Cappuccino additional city staff and community members in attendance include, City Manager Gabriel Gonzalez, Landscape Architect Mark S. Baginski, Director of Westside Youth Nancy Daniel, Bryce Atkins, Edmer Archilla, and Julia Soto.

"This is the biggest thing to happen to the Rojas-Pierce Park in at least 20 years. The park is heavily utilized by both youth and adults daily, it serves as a gathering place, an arena for summer programs as well as a hub for recreational activity. This grant will provide for much needed improvements and upon completion should make Mendota’s Rojas-Pierce Park one of the best parks in the county" stated Mayor Robert Silva.

The City of Mendota along with SSA Landscape Architects, Inc. have put together a design for a magnificent community park spanning 22 acres and incorporating a variety of recreational features. Phase 1 of the propose park includes one baseball field, three age appropriate playground facilities, a splash park, three basketball courts, restroom/concession building, picnic areas, walking/jogging/bike trails, community gardens, as well as a veteran’s memorial and has a total projected cost of $ 2.5 million dollars. The city will be leveraging other city monies and in- kinds to meet the remaining balance.