Construction of a small neighborhood park in a park-deprived area of Santa Ana has been delayed, and might end up opening a year later than planned.
However, funding for the park, which was originally slated to open next month, is not in jeopardy and it will be open by next summer at the latest, the builders said Thursday.
“We’re hoping it’s sooner, but definitely by next summer it will be up and running,” said Ana Carricchi, director of policy for Latino Health Access, the Santa Ana nonprofit that has spearheaded work on the park.
Latino Health Access is building the half-acre park and recreation center near the intersection of East 4th and French Streets with a $3.5 million state grant.
The park is important because it will improve outdoor recreational opportunities and provide at least some access to nature to some of Santa Ana’s poorest residents.
The park site is adjacent to a 1,700-unit condominium complex and, when finished, will include a recreation center, half-court basketball basketball court, an adolescent jungle gym, a children’s play area as well as trees and benches.
The delay is mostly due to all the paperwork involved in securing the state grant, Carricchi said. Construction has also been slowed by structural issues such as the need to remove a telephone poll in the middle of the site.
“At least the money is secure,” said Carricchi. She said plans have been approved by the city of Santa Ana.