The city of Santa Ana was awarded $5.2 million in state funds to help build two new parks on vacant parcels, it was announced Wednesday.
“The city and communities of Santa Ana hold some of the richest diversity in California, yet they are historically park poor,” said Sen. Tom Umberg, D-Santa Ana.
“I am proud that these funds are being delivered to an area that has historically been neglected by the state’s elected officials,” he said. “I very much look forward to bringing my granddaughter and family to these parks with their official opening.”
The funding comes from Proposition 68, the California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018 approved by California voters.
A $3.6 million grant will be used to create a 0.75-acre park at Stanford Street and McFadden Avenue that will include areas for skating and exercising, as well as a playground, walking loop, open space and a basketball court. The city is contributing another $400,000, for a total park construction cost of $4 million.
The other grant — for $1.6 million — will be used to construct a 1.9-acre park at Raitt and Myrtle streets that will include skating and exercising areas, a tot lot, butterfly interpretive garden, walking loop, open space, drought-tolerant landscaping and a restroom.
The North Orange County Watershed Management Agency has contributed $2.4 million, for a total park construction cost of $4 million.
Under the guidelines of Proposition 68 funding, the two parks must be completed within two years.