Two City Council members joined Rep. Scott Peters, D-San Diego, Wednesday to break ground on planned improvements to a park described by fundraisers as a “forgotten child.”
Marcy Park is set for a $5.1 million renovation that will add two new play areas — one for
children ages 2 to 5 and another for ages 5 to 12 — along with new shade structures, accessible walkways, inclusive play equipment, upgraded lighting and landscaping, officials announced.
“City Hall built this park, but it’s the community that built the movement that made all this possible,” said Councilman Kent Lee, who was accompanied by his two children. “Benches were falling apart and playground equipment was falling over, but the city is now stepping up thanks to the community rallying around this effort.”
Council President pro Tem Joe LaCava, together with neighborhood families and community groups who had petitioned the city to repair the park, took part in Wednesday’s gathering that included face painting, arts and crafts, bounce houses and games.
“We fundraised and residents stepped up to the plate,” said Ruth DeSantis, president of the University City Community Foundation. “Teamwork makes the dream work, and all the support in the world won’t get a project off the ground without funding, which the community worked with City Hall to secure.”
“Kids will be able to play here, socialize and use playgrounds, and residents of all ages will be able to enjoy the outdoors,” Peters said.
City News Service contributed to this article.
