Press Release
February 21, 2014

Grand Opening for Pajaro Park set for March 16, 2014

Download the Article PDF
Pajaro Neighborhood Park Ceremony Created by Progressive Local Groups

The public is welcome to join in a celebration and ribbon cutting ceremony on Sunday, March 16, 2014 for the Pajaro Neighborhood Park at 24 San Juan Road in Pajaro beginning at noon. The County of Monterey, Pajaro/Sunny Mesa Community Services District, Central Coast YMCA, and Together in Pajaro (TIP) will have representatives on hand to christen this outstanding and much–needed new park that is a great example of what communities can do when they join together. Light refreshments will be served.

The park is constructed on the former Granite Construction equipment yard located at 24 San Juan Road that was generously donated for the park. 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, the YMCA, community residents and various business and community leaders. The Park was designed by SSA Landscape Architects and built on the 4.9 acre site and consists of a plaza area with a “kiosko” (bandstand) for community events, 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 created by local school children, and picnic areas.

Funding for the construction of the Park was provided by $1.2 million in former Redevelopment Agency funds and a $5 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 The commitment to build the park superseded the sunset of the redevelopment agencies. Title of the park was transferred to Pajaro/Sunny Mesa Community Services District who will be responsible for the park maintenance. The operations of the park will continue the spirit of community collaboration with the Central Coast YMCA setting and managing the programs at this lovely facility. Funding for the ongoing operations of the park was raised from donors consisting of various local businesses as well individuals. 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 tragic shooting in the neighborhood. TIP is being revitalized and now has a full board of directors. TIP is anticipated to raise funds for the ongoing maintenance and operations of the Park, as well as to advise on programs for the Park and the community of Pajaro.

The Pajaro Neighborhood Park was expertly completed by Graniterock’s Construction Division. The construction was 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 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.

For information on park scheduling and programs at the park, please contact Stephany Soto at [email protected] or 831.728.9622.

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

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. Graniterock 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.

For more information, contact:
Keith Severson, 831.768.2063
Graniterock, 888.ROCK.100