California's "Outdoors for All" initiative
Buena Park, Calif. The City of Buena Park is proud to announce that the City has been awarded $3,190,543 in grant funds from the California State Parks for the construction of the new Whitaker Park Project.
This project is a joint-use partnership with the Buena Park School District (BPSD) and will be located at the James A. Whitaker School, 8401 Montana Avenue, Buena Park, CA 90621, in an underutilized field area in the northern portion of the school property.
"This innovative new park is a monumental step forward on the vision for all Buena Park residents to live within walking distance of a park."
Mayor Connor Traut
On December 8, 2021, the California State Parks announced $548.3 million in grant funding to further Governor Newsom's "Outdoors for All" initiative to enable all Californians, regardless of zip code or income, to access parks and open space. Over 100 cities and communities across the state received funding as part of the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Grant Program, part of the single-largest investment in state history to expand or create parks and recreation areas in underserved communities throughout California.
The Whitaker-Park project will create a safe play area and open space that can be used by both the school and the adjacent neighborhood. It is anticipated that Whitaker School students and staff will utilize the park during school hours with access to the community provided after school hours and during the summer. Open space in this portion of Buena Park is extremely limited, so the partnership with the BPSD is critical for the success of the project.
"The Buena Park School District is proud to partner with the City on this innovative joint-use project," stated Board President Jason Chong. "The project will not only benefit the health of the students, who attend Whitaker School, but the surrounding community."
After several community meetings with surrounding residents and school families, the 3.2-acre site will include playground and exercise equipment with shade structures, blacktop play courts (i.e. basketball, pickle ball, fraction ball), a picnic area, restrooms, group seating and gathering area for students, a ¼-mile-loop walking trail, and open lawn area.
"This innovative new park is a monumental step forward on the vision for all Buena Park residents to live within walking distance of a park," said Mayor Connor Traut. "On behalf of the City Council, we would like to thank City staff, Governor Newsom, Senators Archuleta and Newman, and Assembly Member Quirk-Silva for their support of this project."
The Whitaker Park project is currently in design phase and should start construction in summer 2022.