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Stockton, CA – The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors has approved a $1,371,054 increase in appropriations for the 2024-2025 Parks and Recreation Budget, for critical upgrades and security enhancements for local parks and Micke Grove Zoo. This investment will support various projects aimed at improving park safety, maintenance, and recreational facilities.
“These investments reflect our commitment to making parks safer, more accessible, and better equipped for our residents,” said Paul Canepa, Chair of the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors. “For too long, our parks have been underfunded and overlooked, but this Board has committed to improving local services and expanding recreational opportunities for families in San Joaquin County. Access to safe, well-maintained outdoor spaces is essential for public health, community engagement, and quality of life, and we are proud to make these improvements a reality.”
Key Park & Zoo Investments for 2024-2025:
- Community Park Security Enhancements – $1.25M
- Nine parks experiencing high levels of vandalism, illegal dumping, and theft will receive new fencing, security lighting, and overnight security patrols to ensure safety. Affected parks include:
- Boggs Tract
- Larch Clover
- Eastside
- Madison
- Garden Acres
- Taft
- Gianone
- West Jackson
- Kennedy
- Micke Grove Zoo Upgrades – $66,500
- Funding will support:
- A new van for the Zoo Education Program
- A site survey and conceptual design for a future primate exhibit, transforming the former lorikeet exhibit space into a dynamic, species-appropriate environment.
- Regional Sports Complex Upgrades – $33,669
- Funds will cover the purchase of an aerator and new sprinklers to improve soccer field conditions.
- Park Maintenance Equipment – $20,000
- A new enclosed tractor and flail mower will be purchased to reduce wildfire risk and enhance park maintenance.
Looking Ahead: Future 2025-2026 Investments
Additional funding of at least $7.2 million is planned for:
- Smart Public Restrooms at multiple parks ($3M)
- Irrigation system upgrades ($3.2M)
- South County Regional Park – Phase III planning ($900K)
- Development of a 10-Year Master Plan for County Parks & Micke Grove Zoo
To learn more about San Joaquin County Parks, visit www.sjparks.com.
Media inquiries can be directed to Katie Albertson, Public Information Specialist, at 209-696-1853 or by email at kalbertson@sjgov.org
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The Board of Supervisors is the governing body of San Joaquin County and serves more than 789,410 residents. The Board establishes County policies, passes local ordinances, approves the budget, sets local tax rates, supports community programs and provides many other essential services.
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