The city of Stockton celebrated the reopening of Columbus Park, after being closed for nearly a year for renovations.
City officials and community members attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, June 16 at 401 W. Worth St. Columbus Park is one of the original historic parks in the downtown area, according to city officials.
District 5 Councilmember Brando Villapudua said Columbus Park had been neglected for many years and it was one of the reasons why he ran for council. He referred to the project as one of his “biggest wins,” and said that he hopes everyone enjoys the park and protects it.
“Parks are everything to me. This is where I grew up, my neighborhood. I had a great childhood. It was because of my parents would take me to parks. It’s my responsibility now, as a council member, to take care of these parks,” Villapudua said during the ceremony. “I’m here to fight for you guys, and today, this is all for you guys. This is for you, the kids.”
The 2.3-acre park closed in July 2025.
Park improvements include a new picnic shelter and play equipment, a modern restroom facility, a basketball court with updated lighting, an updated landscaping and irrigation system, an adult fitness area, a community garden and lighting throughout the park, according to the city.
The renovations reflect the priorities identified by the community for Columbus Park during the public outreach process, city officials said. The comprehensive renovation was funded through a $3.35 million Proposition 68 grant from the California Department of Parks and Recreation.
“This is an investment in the people of Stockton,” Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi said. “You guys deserve this and we wouldn’t have it if it wasn’t for you.”
Public Works Director Peni Basalusalu said the design process began in 2023. It was completed in September 2024.
Stockbridge General Contracting, Inc. of Clovis did the construction for the project.
“What this park, this playground, this basketball court says, it’s a statement that we value our community, that we believe that good things can happen right here in Stockton if we come together and invest in what makes our city so special,” U.S. Rep. Josh Harder said. “It really is a statement that we care about our young people and we care about where they grow up. They can get their physical exercise. They can do it in an area that is safe and watched by their neighbors. This park has so much history. It’s been through a lot, but it has never had a day as good as today, and the future is going to be even brighter.”
A ‘safe place for our kids’
Villapudua partnered with Jared Foster of Solana Life Insurance Services and Solana Solar to raffle vacation getaway packages for area residents to Cancun, Mexico, Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe. Six community members won the giveaways.
Tiama Gutierrez, who attended the ceremony with her 11-year-old son, won a trip to Cancun.
“I’m very excited about the prize that I won. Five nights with luxury hotel accommodations in Cancun,” Gutierrez said. “I’m really excited about that and I totally did not expect for raffles and prizes and rewards to be given out, but I’m very grateful.”
When asked what were her thoughts on the park, Gutierrez said, “it looks great.”
“It looks like a wonderful, safe place for our kids to play,” Gutierrez added. “On this side of town, we don’t have many options for our children, but this is a really nice spot. I’ll bring my kids here often.”
Dezirae Sanchez and her four children, ages 3 through 14, also attended the ceremony. She said she loved that the park is gated in.
“The kids can’t just run off when they’re in the playground, so that’s really cool,” Sanchez said. “It looks like it’s going be a great party park too.”
Sanchez said they have been waiting for the reopening since the park had been closed for a long time.
“It’s beautiful,” Sanchez added. “It looks clean and hopefully it stays that way.”
To learn more about Columbus Park, visit stocktonca.gov.
Record reporter Angelaydet Rocha covers business and community news in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at arocha@recordnet.com or on Twitter @AngelaydetRocha. To support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.
This article originally appeared on The Record: Columbus Park celebrates reopening after months-long renovation
Reporting by Angelaydet Rocha, The Stockton Record / The Record
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By Angelaydet Rocha, The Stockton Record | USA TODAY Network
