The City of Calexico, California had plans for a new park. City Manager David Dale sought input from the community and learned there was a need for an inclusive play environment. "The people spoke and we went forward and did what they asked," said Dale in an interview with NBC affiliate KYMA in Calexico. "I think that it's really important that we provide parks for the kids here."
City leaders were able to build the new park, in part, with funds from a statewide funding initiative from California Parks and Recreation Society (CPRS) and GameTime. The initiative included statewide educational workshops across California to highlight research and best practices for designing public play and recreation spaces.
The City of Calexico named and dedicated Cordova Park in honor of a fallen Caelxico police officer and former marine, Adrian Cordova.
"The fact that they made this park and named it after him, is very special to me," said Adrienne Taylor, Cordova's niece. "I'm very thankful because I know the park would've meant a lot to him. It's nice of the city to recognize him and to have another place for kids to come outside and play."
"We wanted to honor him here in Calexico," said Maritza Hurtado, mayor of Calexico. "We wanted to honor the family. His mother Luli was our city clerk for a long time here in the city of Calexico. It was only natural to provide the family with that type of recognition, to honor the loss of their son."
The Adrian Cordova park features an inclusive playground designed by GameTime that includes ramped access throughout the play system, along with play elements that encourage social and sensory play.
