Merced County park gets $3.7M renovation

MERCED, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – The $3.7 million project to upgrade Winton Park in Merced County is about to be unveiled to the public.

According to officials, the $3.7 million renovation project at Winton Park was funded through an award the county secured through the California Department of Transportation’s “Clean California Local Grant Program.”

Officials say some renovations made include:

• A new 5,650-foot walking path around the perimeter of the park.
• Restoration of a soccer field including grading, reseeding, and lighting.
• Renovation of a baseball field.
• Four new baseball dugouts.
• Lighting for the basketball court.
• A new playground.
• Two new picnic shelters.
• Sixty graffiti-resistant picnic tables (to replace vandalized ones).
• 20 new trees with water-efficient irrigation.
• A public art project consisting of 12 iron benches made by high school students.

“This park is such an important amenity to the residents in and around Winton,” Supervisor Lloyd Pareira said. ” One of the most anticipated features is the lighted walking loop around the park, which I hope will serve as a safe way for seniors to stay active while enjoying open space.”

In addition to the $3.7 million grant, officials with the county say they also improved the park’s community restroom and concession facilities.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open Winton Park will be on Aug. 27 at 10 a.m.

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