Lauderbach Park in Chula Vista recently celebrated its grand reopening after undergoing a long and major renovation project welcomed by local residents, who can now safely enjoy and take pride in their public park.
The significant transformation of the park was the result of a $1 million grant from the State of California Youth Soccer and $820,000 from Measure P, the half-cent, ten-year sales tax passed by Chula Vista voters in 2016, as stated on the City of Chula Vista website. This lengthy renovation process began in March 2022, taking more than a year to complete but now, all the waiting has paid off as residents are enjoying the park's new amenities.
KPBS reports that the redesign of the park was undertaken by Rick Engineering with construction work carried out by 3Sixty Innovations. Some of the notable new features of the 3.9-acre park include basketball courts, lines for two pickleball courts, new synthetic turf multi-purpose field with lighting, new sidewalks, and enhanced landscaping. In addition, an adjacent building leased by City partners SBCS will provide services to the local community, offering greater support to Chula Vista residents.
The park, which is located at 333 Oxford Street and neighbors J Calvin Lauderbach Elementary School, also includes two tot lots, restrooms, picnic areas, and field lighting. These new facilities are expected to encourage more people to visit and enjoy Lauderbach Park, as reflected by a local's sentiment who was quoted by KPBS, "I want to see more people around here. I want to see healthy families around, children."
Another resident interviewed by KPBS expressed appreciation for the improved park, saying, "They did beautify a lot of it. There's grass again." Clearly, these renovations were crucial in not only providing a more appealing space for leisure activities, but also in fostering a sense of community among Chula Vista residents by offering a welcoming and accessible public area which will be valued by everyone who visits Lauderbach Park.
Beyond the impressive physical transformation, the reopening also signifies an improvement in terms of safety and cleanliness. With locals previously describing the park as "very dirty" with "trash" and feeling unsafe at certain times of the day, the renovations have successfully addressed these concerns and transformed Lauderbach Park into a safer and more welcoming area for the people of Chula Vista.
As Lauderbach Park opens its doors with several new and upgraded amenities, its revitalization marks an important milestone for the local community. With improved facilities and safety measures in place, the renovated park is expected to provide countless opportunities for residents of all ages to engage in recreational activities, socialize with their neighbors, and enjoy a sense of belonging in the heart of their city. Lauderbach Park is now open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., inviting everyone to come and experience the beautiful outcome of the renovation.
