With a boost from $5 million in state funds, the much-anticipated Mecca Regional Sports Park is soon to break ground, Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) said on Facebook. Not only did the state of California support this project financially, but the community rallied behind the endeavor, including Supervisor V. Manuel Perez, Riverside County, the Desert Recreation District, as well as many residents.
A recreation center with everything from multiple playgrounds to a splash pad, the almost 7-acre facility is expected to enter the construction stage at the end of April, according to KESQ News. Other features of the complex will include sand volleyball courts, workout stations, an illuminated kiosk and multi-purpose fields as well as walking paths with lighting. Completing the site will be a concession stand, restrooms, picnic shelters with lighting and tables, bicycle racks, water fountains, perimeter fencing and trash containers, KESQ News said.
"We are excited to see that construction will soon begin at Mecca Regional Sports Park!," Garcia, who represents the 56th State Assembly District, said on Facebook. "Thank you to Supervisor V. Manuel Perez, Riverside County, Desert Recreation District and all the residents and advocates who have championed this project. We are proud to have helped secure over $5 million from the State of California to build this park right in the heart of our Mecca community."
By December 2022, the park is expected to be open after construction work lasting eight months, KESQ News reported. Those having a hand in shaping the project are Holt Architecture and the Riverside County Facilities Management Department.
The money to make this happen for the community came from Proposition 68, which Garcia co-authored to award $5.8 million for Mecca Regional Park, KESQ News said. A total of $15 million was awarded to the 56th District through the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Grant Program.