With new grass, landscaping and shade structures going up, Guillermo Ochoa Park in east Ceres is looking more like a park.
During its premature dedication ceremony in July 2021, the park consisted of weeds scattered on bare ground, a marque sign and one piece of playground equipment. But $2.1 million worth of construction began in January after the council allocated some of the windfall dollars from ARPA and taking money allocated for Lions Park.
The park site has been fenced off during construction but is expected to be finished this fall.
In October 2023 the council awarded Stockbridge General Contracting Inc. the contract to finish Ochoa Park with amenities requested by east Ceres residents. The contract is costing the city $1.93 million and with a 10 percent contingency the entire work could reach $2.1 million.
In 2020 the city got as far as grading the site and installing some landscaping materials, a play structure, a volleyball area, concrete benches, concrete pavement and an area for Cornhole games. But a lack of money prevented the city from completing the park as designed. Since then the park has had an uninviting appearance so the community pressured the council to finish it.
The council decided to spend $1.05 million from the first round of federal ARPA funds, of which $400,000 was allocated to Ochoa Park, and reassigning the $650,000 initially designated to start Lions Park in north Ceres. The council also approved the use of $1,088,100 from the second ARPA allocation of $5.8 million. Another funding source being used is $172,000 in neighborhood park development fees.
Based on community input during two public workshops, the city decided to install picnic tables, benches, a couple of basketball half courts, Pickle ball courts, a 16-foot by 16-foot shade structure with barbecue grills, drinking fountain, doggie-pot waste station and trash receptacles. Before grass, shrubs and trees were planted a full in-ground irrigation system had to be installed.
City leaders have not identified how they will pay for and finish Lions Park on River Road.
Guillermo Ochoa Park was initially named Eastgate Park but renamed to honor the late ex-city councilman who served six years.
Ochoa died at age 54 in 2015. Among those attending the 2021 dedication ceremony were his widow, Martha Ochoa, and their two children, Kimberly and Christian.
