The City of Watsonville is excited to announce the groundbreaking ceremony for the transformative Ramsay Park Renaissance Project, scheduled for May 10 at 2 p.m. at Ramsay Park, located at 1301 Main Street in Watsonville.
The Ramsay Park Renaissance Project represents a significant milestone in revitalizing Watsonville's largest park and greatest recreational resource. Focusing on enhancing community engagement and providing inclusive recreational opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities, the project promises to usher in a new era of enjoyment and vitality for Ramsay Park.
Highlighted improvements include:
Sotomayor Soccer Field: A comprehensive renovation featuring new natural turf, state-of-the-art irrigation system, terraced concrete seating, upgraded fencing, and cutting-edge athletic field lighting, ensuring optimal playing conditions for athletes and spectators alike.
Multi-use Sports Field: Redesigned into a synthetic turf multi-use field, capable of accommodating both softball and soccer activities, providing versatile recreational opportunities for sports enthusiasts throughout the year.
Inclusive Playground: Innovative play zones thoughtfully designed for the diverse needs and interests of children of all ages and abilities. Featuring interactive elements such as slides, swings, spinning features, musical and sensory areas.
Dog Park: Adding to the park's appeal, the Ramsay Park Renaissance Project will introduce small and large dog park areas, providing designated spaces for canine companions to exercise and socialize in a safe and controlled environment.
Nature Center: Included within Ramsay Park upgrades, but not part of the Renaissance project scope of work, is the construction of a new Nature Center. The 3,500-square-foot building will include interactive, bilingual, and culturally relevant exhibits and educational programs focused on environmental stewardship, climate action, emergency preparedness, and appreciation of the natural world. The Nature Center is a partnership between the City and Watsonville Wetlands Watch.
In addition to these critical enhancements, the Ramsay Park Renaissance Project will incorporate supporting amenities such as trails, parking lots, and more to ensure seamless access and enjoyment for all visitors.
"We are thrilled to embark on this transformative journey towards revitalizing Ramsay Park," said City of Watsonville Mayor Vanessa Quiroz-Carter. "The Ramsay Park Renaissance Project highlights our commitment to fostering vibrant, inclusive communities and providing accessible recreational opportunities that enrich the lives of our residents. We look forward to the positive impact that this project will have on our community for generations to come."
The $33 million project is funded by Measure R, State Grants via Assembly Member Robert Rivas, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, and the City of Watsonville.
The groundbreaking ceremony on May 10 will mark the commencement of this ambitious endeavor, bringing together community leaders, stakeholders, and residents to celebrate the vision and collaborative efforts that have made the Ramsay Park Renaissance Project a reality.
Members of the media and the public are invited to join in the groundbreaking ceremony and witness the beginning of a new chapter for Ramsay Park.