-Editorial
Rodriguez Park is on its way to transformation, thanks to the collective efforts of the City of Calexico, local unions, and dedicated community members. Jesús Solano from the Calexico Volunteer Alliance Group expressed his gratitude for the collaborative efforts that have turned the renovation project into a reality.
Members of the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters, Local 619 have spent weekends working to revitalize Rodriguez Park.
“They sent four Public Works workers to Home Depot. I was there yesterday at seven in the morning, picking up materials, and now the work has begun,” said Solano. He highlighted the presence of Council members including Calexico Mayor Diana Nuricumbo as well as Lisa Tylenda, Lorenzo Calderon, Victor Legaspi, IID Division 4 Director Lewis Pacheco, and Adriana Marquez.
According to Solano, the project involves multiple improvements, including the construction of an ADA-accessible walkway from the parking lot to the concession stand and dugouts, resurfacing the basketball and tennis courts, and installing fences. “The workers are carpenters, and they’ve volunteered their labor. All they ask is for the city to provide the materials, and they’ll handle the cement, backstops, and fencing,” he noted.
Solano also urged the Calexico City Council to schedule a special meeting before the end of the year to allocate remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
“There’s funding still floating from ARPA, and legally, we have until the end of the year to obligate or repurpose it. This funding could help finish Rodriguez Park,” he emphasized.
From here, Solano said they are moving on to Nosotros Park, and after that, tackle any other parks that need support. Solano highlighted the importance of recognizing the workers and volunteers, noting that their contributions are vital to the community and that the project’s success is a result of their collective efforts.
“Beautifying our parks for our youth, middle-aged, and senior residents—this is what I call quality of life,” Solano said.
Patricia Ureña, Chairperson of the Community Services Commission, outlined plans for the project, which will include a brand-new snack bar and ceiling. “Everything will be done according to plan,” she said. “We’re excited about this one project because there are many, many projects in Calexico, but it’s one at a time. The next thing is going to be the field, so it’s in good condition for our young athletes and adults. It’ll be a pretty nice venue for all our residents.”
“I’m very grateful that I received the invitation to come and see the hard work that they’re doing. It looks great, and I guess we’re gonna continue doing this until we get our stuff done,” Calexico Mayor Diana Nuricumbo said.
