CA State Parks Approves Beaumont's Next Phase Of Stewart Park

BEAUMONT, CA — The California State Parks Office of Grants and Local Services has okayed the city of Beaumont's Stewart Park revitalization project, marking a significant milestone in one of the City’s most transformative community investments.

The approval confirms that Beaumont remains eligible to receive a $2.5 million Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership grant award for Stewart Park Phase II, according to a city spokesperson.

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Stewart Park is more than a neighborhood park, it is Beaumont's historic community gathering place and the centerpiece of downtown.

The 11-acre park, which spans three city blocks, hosts many of the City's signature events, including the Freedom Festival and other community celebrations.

One year ago, Phase I of the revitalization project was paused due to construction activities, at the direction of the state and federal grant administrators, to ensure compliance with environmental review requirements and to protect the funding opportunity for Phase II, they said.

The temporary pause, approved by the City Council in June 2025, was a strategic decision designed to protect the City’s grant award and reduce the need for additional local funding, according to the city. After the thorough environmental review process, Beaumont preserved a significant source of outside investment for the project, helping deliver major park improvements while minimizing financial impact on local taxpayers.

Mayor Jessica Voigt shared her thoughts on the recent decision.

“This is tremendous news for Beaumont residents,” Voigt said. “We successfully protected millions of dollars in outside funding that will help us deliver an exceptional community park.”

The Stewart Park revitalization project represents a once-in-a-generation investment in Beaumont’s historic downtown park.

Phase I improvements include walking trails, picnic pavilions, inclusive playground equipment, a splash pad, restroom facilities, enhanced lighting, and expanded parking.

Phase II, funded in part through the federal grant, will add a secondary playground, skate park enhancements, relocation of the basketball court with pickleball striping, new picnic shelters, and a bandshell designed to host concerts and community events.

City Manager Christopher Boatman also shared his thoughts.

“Securing approval to move forward while retaining the grant award is a major accomplishment for our organization,” Boatman said. “This outcome reflects months of coordination and collaboration with our state and federal partners, ensuring Beaumont can deliver these much-needed park improvements while maximizing outside funding for the community.”

Now that approval is in place, the City will coordinate with project contractors and funding agencies to resume work in the coming weeks and establish an updated construction schedule.