The City of Palmdale was awarded a $4.15 million dollar grant for revitalization work at Melvin J. Courson Park, located at 38226 10th St. East as part of the $548.3 million California State Parks Awards in Grants to Create Local New Parks Across California as Part of Newsom Administration’s “Outdoors for All” Initiative.
Awarded through the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Grant Program, the grants represent the single-largest investment in state history in expanding access to parks in underserved communities, with new or enhanced parks funded in every region of California.
Prior to applying for the grant, the City of Palmdale conducted a comprehensive study that gathered community input and provided guidance for future revitalization of the Courson Park. Among the projects identified include a new bandstand/stage, challenge course, fitness zone with equipment, plaza/gathering space, decomposed granite walking/running path with exercise stations, group picnic pavilion with shade, playground, therapeutic/mediation garden, mural, restroom, maintenance storage building with fencing, individual picnic areas, public art, landscaping, park lighting, and parking lot renovation.
“This award will really help us continue the improvement work that has been going on at Courson Park,” said Palmdale Mayor Steve Hofbauer. “It may be one of our oldest City parks, but with the new pool and building and these upcoming renovations, it will be another jewel in our crown of beautiful Palmdale parks.”
“With Council’s full support, our staff worked very hard to put together a compelling case for Palmdale to receive this funding,” said Palmdale City Manager J.J. Murphy. “This is a big win for our community.”
The complete list and map showing locations of the 112 projects receiving grant awards can be found at www.parks.ca.gov/spp.
“People from all over the world come to visit our state’s natural wonders, but too many Californians today lack access to parks and open space in their own neighborhoods,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “This historic investment will revitalize and create new parks in more than 100 local communities, dramatically expanding access to the outdoors across the state and ensuring more Californians from all walks of life can reap the benefits for our hearts, minds and bodies for generations to come.”
“California State Parks is incredibly proud to announce grant funding for projects that will improve access to parks and open space and contribute to a better quality of life for so many Californians,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “Many of these projects will become a source of community pride, thanks to neighborhood residents, local park agencies and non-profit organizations who worked together to design vibrant parks reflecting each community’s unique needs and creativity.”
“These funding awards are a huge deal for Californians. Creating new parks across the state – including in many communities currently without adequate outdoor public space – will make a real, lasting difference in the lives of young people and all residents,” said California Secretary for Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot. “It’s one more way the Governor and Legislature are working to improve the lives of all Californians.”
The awards were funded by $153 million approved by the Legislature in the 2021-’22 state budget and $395.3 from the California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018 (Proposition 68). To date, the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Grant Program has provided $1.16 billion to California’s communities in four rounds, including $368 million in grant funding from Proposition 84 (2006 Bond Act) Sustainable Communities and Climate Change Reduction program.
For more information, please call 661/267-5611.