EmPowerment Park Groundbreaking Ceremony
The Sacramento Parks Foundation held a ceremonial groundbreaking event today at Bell and Irma, the site of the new park that will be built on surplus SMUD property. The innovative park will be built for inclusionary play, meaning it can be enjoyed by disabled and fully-abled kids and their families. There were several speakers from entities involved with putting the project together, including Parks Foundation Exec Director and Arden Manor Recreation and Park District Board Member Mike Grace, SMUD Board Member Gregg Fishman and County Supervisor Rich Desmond. The project has received adequate funds to proceed with the $8M+ project such that construction can begin. The vast majority of the funds were provided 3 years ago from a statewide Park Bond. Because Covid has driven up the price of everything since then, the project has acquired funds from the County via federal Covid-relief money and from the Mission Oaks Recreation and Park District (which will own and operate the park on behalf of the broader community). It still needs additional funds, though. Organizers have begun a fund drive and are confident of meeting the goal. THey have a GoFundMe page for that purpose. One of the best things about today's event was the actual groundbreaking activity itself: some intended users got to push the shovels. There were good vibes all around!
