Ribbon cutting sees attendance from local officials and community members old and young
By Stephanie Gertsch
At the grand opening of Ashland Zocalo Park, a one-acre urban recreational space, speeches of praise and gratitude from the various local and state agencies were nearly drowned out by the shouts of children already enjoying the playground, wide lawn and mist water feature that was perfect for a sunny July day. The ribbon cutting on July 17, 2024, was the culmination of four years of planning and over a year of construction. And the well-attended opening showed that the community is eager to take advantage of its new open space.
Nonprofit The Trust for Public Land (TPL) was awarded a $7.2 million state grant to develop the park, in collaboration with the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (H.A.R.D). This grant is part of California’s Prop 68. Passed in 2018, the proposition authorizes 4 billion in general obligation funds for local parks, environmental restoration and similar projects.
Annie Youngerman, Senior Program Manager with TPL, said, “We believe at the Trust for Public Land that everyone deserves a quality park within 10 minutes walk. In an area where space is at a premium, transforming a lot into a neighborhood or community park makes it possible for everyone to get outside close to home.”
Perched on the corner of 166th Avenue and East 14th Street in the unincorporated area of Ashland, the park is easily identified by the red and orange sail-like shade structure on the corner, the lawn and the tall play structure. The park also includes an outdoor stage, space for popup markets, fountains that spray mist, a demonstration garden by San Lorenzo High School’s Druids Environmental Club, and mural by The Bay Area Mural Program.
Street parking is limited, as the park is really intended for the 11,000 Ashland residents that live within a 10-minute walk. However, there are two accessible gender neutral restrooms at the park, one with a changing table. Parents with small kids will be glad they won’t have to trek back home every time someone needs a toilet or a diaper change. The mosaic of local plants and animals adorning the restroom exterior is the work of Oakland artist Debbie Koppman, created with the input of Ashland residents.
Speakers at the grand opening included H.A.R.D. Board of Directors-President Peter Rosen, Annie Youngerman, Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley, Deputy Director of California State Parks Sedrick Mitchell and Deputy Secretary of California Natural Resources Agency Gloria Sandoval. Maggie Chan, representing the Alameda County Assessor’s Office, presented a commendation to H.A.R.D. and TPL.
Gloria Sandoval spoke about her memories of going to parks with her family when she was young, adding, “Unfortunately not everyone has access to parks and public lands. One out of every four Californians does not have a park or open space [nearby]. Why is this important? Running, walking, playing soccer, admiring art such as this,” she gestured to the mural beside her, “or simply lying on the grass can improve our mood and happiness and help with many health issues.”
“Zocalo” in Spanish is a public square, and it is already fulfilling this role for Ashland. The park seems ready to see many more hours of gatherings, events and play with the community.
