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Pajaro Neighborhood Park Ceremony Planned by Progressive Local Groups

The public is welcome to join in a celebration and groundbreaking ceremony on Saturday, April 6, 2013 for the Pajaro Neighborhood Park at 24 San Juan Road in Pajaro beginning at 11 am. The County of Monterey, Pajaro/Sunny Mesa Community Services District and Together in Pajaro (TIP) will have representatives on hand to christen this outstanding new park that is much needed and a great example of what communities can do when joining together. Light refreshments will be served.

The park is to be constructed on the former Granite Construction equipment yard located at 24 San Juan Road. The Pajaro Neighborhood Park represents a community collaboration among various groups consisting of the County of Monterey, Pajaro/Sunny Mesa Community Services District, Together in Pajaro (TIP), community residents and various business and community leaders. The Park was designed by SSA Landscape Architects and will be built on the 4.9 acre site and consist of a plaza area with a quiosco (bandstand) for community events, a synthetic turf field for baseball and soccer, asphalt running/walking track, basketball/volleyball court, two separate play areas (one for 5–12 year old children and one for 2–5 year old children), a mural to be created by local school children and picnic areas.

Funding for the construction of the Park is being provided by $1.2 million in former Redevelopment Agency funds and a $5.0 million grant from the State Department of Parks and Recreation (Proposition 84). The commitment to build the park superseded the sunset of the redevelopment agencies. Upon completion of the Park, title will be transferred to Pajaro/Sunny Mesa Community Services District who will be responsible for the operations and maintenance. Funding for the ongoing operations of the Park is being raised from donors consisting of various local businesses as well individuals. Funding is about 60% complete. Opportunities exist for additional contributions.

Formerly, a group known as Friends of the Pajaro Park was raising funds for the ongoing maintenance and operations. This group has merged with Together in Pajaro, a nonprofit organization formed in the 1990s after a shooting in Pajaro. TIP is being revitalized and now has a full board of directors led by Phil Tavarez, President; Edgar Albor, Treasurer and Jennifer Swanson, Secretary. Other board members are Lee Kanellis, Ray Myers, Harry Wiggins, Don Rosa, Karen Miller, Alfredo Torres and Steve Snodgrass. TIP is currently in the planning stages and developing a business plan. TIP is anticipated to raise funds for the ongoing maintenance and operations of the Park as well as administer and direct programs for the Park and the community of Pajaro.

The Pajaro Neighborhood Park will be constructed by the Pavex Construction Division of Graniterock. The construction will be managed by Harris and Associates. Graniterock has been headquartered in Watsonville, California, since its founding in 1900. The Company’s employees work in branch locations in South San Francisco, Redwood City, San Jose, Salinas, Monterey, Oakland, Watsonville, Felton, Cupertino, and Santa Cruz. Graniterock supplies construction materials including ready-mix concrete, hot mix asphalt, building materials, landscaping supplies, rock, sand and gravel. The Company’s Pavex Construction Division is a significant regional heavy engineering contractor building roadways, airports and private commercial and residential projects. Graniterock received the 1992 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and the 1994 Governor’s Golden State Quality Award.

Opportunities exist for volunteers to assist TIP in developing its mission as well as to contribute to TIP. TIP can be contacted through the Pajaro/Sunny Mesa Community Services District located at 136 San Juan Road, 831.722.1389.

Media and press outlets can obtain a copy of the plans and drawings for the Park by contacting the Community Services District.