Unveiling Wasco's newest jewel: Central Avenue Park

A public ribbon-cutting for Central Avenue Park is set for Friday, July 19, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. This new park is the result of years of planning and months of construction. Many organizations and individuals contributed to the project, and this celebration allows recognition of all the hard work.

The park provides a new recreation facility for the southwest part of town and connects the existing walking paths on Central Avenue and Filburn Avenue. The park's numerous trees and other plant varieties will mature and will provide shade in the coming seasons.

The ball court is already popular, and the picnic area is being used by families. The park also includes separate play areas for youngsters, older children and adults.

The $3 million park was funded through a competitive California Natural Resources Agency Urban Greening Grant ($2.1 million), City of Wasco Park Impact fees ($120,000) and the City of Wasco General Fund ($780,000).

"This site was identified as a potential park site in the City and Recreation and Parks District's 2014 Urban Greening Parks and Open Space Master Plan," Community Development Director Keri Cobb said. "The city applied for competitive state funding to build this park in 2019 but was unsuccessful."

"The city reapplied for funding in 2020 and was successful in receiving a $2.1 million award. Detailed concept planning was done as part of the grant application. Construction plans and bid documents were prepared in 2021-2022, and construction took place 2023-2024."

Members of the City Council, city staff, contractor representatives and other local officials and regional dignitaries are expected to attend the ribbon-cutting. The community is invited to welcome the latest addition to the city-wide park system, which brings the total number of parks in Wasco to eight.

The event will occur at the northeast corner of Filburn Avenue and Central Avenue For more information, call the city clerk at 661-758-7215.