Newest San José Park Hosts National Night Out

San José, CA – Newly renovated and enhanced with a water feature, Martin Youth and Tot Lot, opens right on time to host National Night Out on Tuesday, August 5. Over 150 residents from the McKinley/Bonita neighborhood will enjoy each other’s company in their contemporary neighborhood park, while getting to know one another and promoting safety. Councilmember Cindy Chavez will cut the ribbon and open the park at 6:00 p.m. National Night Out festivities begin at 5:00 p.m. and end at 8:00 p.m. The park borders the McKinley Neighborhood School located at 651 Macredes Ave., off Melbourne Ave.

The park with its newly renovated playground is welcomed by the residents of the neighborhood, especially the children who designed the playground. The children were shown different playground equipment and styles and they picked the European-style playground equipment over the more traditional look. The water feature was a priority to the children. “This renovated playground and water feature will be an important gathering place for the community to share the pleasures of family life" Cindy Chavez, Councilmember.

The park also features benches, trees, a barbecue and lawn area. The park was completed in six months at a cost of $341,000. It was constructed by Beacon and designed by MPA Design. The additions and renovation were made possible by the voter approved parks bond measure. This newest San José park is one of 90 playground renovations made possible by the measure.

National Night Out is the culmination of five months of planning by the McKinley/Bonita Neighborhood Association and the Five Wounds Brookwood Terrace Strong Neighborhood Initiative. The goal is to celebrate the spirit of the neighborhood, new park and promote safety. In addition to the new park amenities, residents will enjoy a potluck, fun jump and family activities.

The McKinley/Bonita Neighborhood Association received a Community Action and Pride (CAP) grant through the Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services. A portion of the grant money is funding the National Night Out event.

The McKinley/Bonita neighborhood is bordered by Interstate 280 to the South, the Union Pacific rail line to the West, San Antonio Street to the North and Highway 101 to the East. It is a neighborhood rich in diversity and community. The community is mostly made up of Hispanic immigrant families working to achieve their American dream. Through the Strong Neighborhoods Initiative, neighborhood leaders learn how to organize and work with city departments to create better neighborhoods. The new youth and tot lot and special evening of fun are welcome respites for this hard-working community. “It is good for people to have a park and moments to be a little happy. It’s going to be great,” said Maria Luisa Chavarin, Five Wounds/Brookwood Terrace Neighborhood Advisory Committee member.

To learn more about the Strong Neighborhoods Initiative contact Carolina Camarena at (408) 277-5208.