CHINO, CA (January 23, 2026) -- The City of Chino is proud to announce that the recently opened Chino Rancho Park has been honored as a 2025 Project of the Year by the American Public Works Association (APWA), Inland Empire Branch. 

The award recognizes exceptional public works projects in the Inland Empire that demonstrate innovation, sustainability, and community impact. City of Chino staff were on hand to receive the award on Thursday, January 22, at Spaggi’s Event Center in Fontana. 

Opened in March 2025, Chino Rancho Park is Chino’s first public park to open in more than 20 years. The park transformed a vacant lot into a vibrant neighborhood space featuring an all-inclusive playground, the City’s first pickleball courts, and an outdoor exercise area. The park’s theme pays tribute to Chino’s agricultural roots and incorporates bricks salvaged from historic downtown Chino buildings. 

Since its grand opening, Chino Rancho Park has quickly become a community staple and serves as a model for equitable, sustainable, and community-centered park development. 

Chino Rancho Park was made possible through a $2.8 million grant from the Proposition 68 Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program, $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds from San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman, and $1.6 million from the City’s park fund. The construction of the park also supported workforce development through the California Conservation Corps. 

Chino Rancho Park is located at 5325 Phillips Boulevard. To learn more about the City of Chino’s vibrant and award-winning network of parks and open spaces, visit cityofchino.org/cspr. 

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