By Agencies
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The funds will allow the remaining unfunded park features to be completed.
This includes a 2,000 square foot community center extension to the west side of the community center, complete the third barbeque area, build the amphitheater at the north side of the park, and complete the adult exercise area.
“With Senator Dianne Feinstein and Congressman Salud Carbajal direct support/sponsorship, this Community Projects funding was secured in the federal budget signed by President Biden,” said the City in a press release.
The City, with the support of Guadalupe Union School District’s consulting firm, Townsend Public Affairs, and Los Amigos de Guadalupe, was able to work with Senator Feinstein’s and Congressman Carbajal’s staff to add Le Roy Park phase II to this year’s federal budget.
“LeRoy Park has long been an important part of the Guadalupe community and the Santa Barbara region, hosting concerts, family gatherings and other community events. I’m glad to have helped secure this important federal funding to undergo renovations so it can continue to be enjoyed by the people of Guadalupe for generations to come,” said Senator Feinstein.
In October 2018 the City of Guadalupe was awarded a $4.5 million CDBG grant from the state’s Housing and Community Development department of which $4.1 million, was set aside for the renovation of LeRoy Park and Community Center.
The design process started November 2018 with a community wide meeting to discuss what the community wanted to see at LeRoy Park and was followed by 13 Amigos del LeRoy Park (Community Stakeholders), meetings where the project design was refined, taking into consideration the suggestions collected in November 2018 and the budget of the project.
Meanwhile Congressman Salud Carbajal stated the intent of the project is to bring back, and improve, what was once a vibrant social gathering place.
“The park was used by many different local groups for a variety of events, from quinceañeras to Comite Civico Mexicano de Guadalupe’s annual “Fiestas Patrias” celebrating Mexican Independence Day, whose parade use to end at LeRoy Park but stopped a decade ago due to the park’s condition. While the park has long been seen as the Boy and Girls Club (since they were the only users for a long time), it is also remembered for its community barbecues, outdoor concerts, and community dances in the gym,” he said.
In 2020, the City received an additional award for $900,000 which allowed the Community Center portion of the project to be fully funded.
While this help ensure the community center would be fully renovated, the approximately 3 years from the application date resulted in the construction costs increased.
To address the issue, the City reduce/limited the park features to available funds.
Los Amigos de Guadalupe, helped he city to secure Statewide Park funds and raised another $500,000 in a capital campaign.
Additional features were added to the construction contract, which was allowed due to contractor to bid for both funded and unfunded project features.
