Historic Gilman Ranch Gets $6M Investment For New Park

BANNING, CA — Efforts to build a new community park at Historic Gilman Ranch in Banning will move forward after the state announced earlier this month it's doling out more than $6 million for the project.

The funding is part of a $548.3 million investment to expand parks across the state — the single-largest ever in California history.

The $6,050,000 million will go to the Riverside County Regional Park and Open Space District to construct Stagecoach Stop Park at Gilman Ranch. The facility will include a new community/recreation center, interpretive playground, picnic areas, botanical garden/orchard, disc golf course, picnic areas, horseshoe pits, pathways, interpretive nature hiking trail to mountain areas with views of the San Gorgonio Pass, parking lot with lighting, and landscaping throughout the park.

The new park will be situated on mostly vacant land surrounding the historic site. County staff worked closely with the community to develop a plan for the park, according to local officials.

The state funding was announced Dec. 8 by California State Parks. More than 100 communities statewide are receiving funding as part of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s “Outdoors for All” initiative that aims to "enable all Californians, regardless of zip code or income, to access parks and open space."

The half-billion in funding is being awarded through the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Grant Program to expand parks' access in underserved communities, with new or enhanced parks funded in every region of California, according to Newsom.

Click here for a complete list of the award recipients, and here for a map showing the 112 project locations.

In Riverside County, the desert region is receiving the greatest investment, while the city of Riverside is also seeing a significant award:

Cathedral City
Dream Homes Park: $8,498,000
Create the new 7.52-acre Dream Homes park in Cathedral City. Construct two new playgrounds with shade, soccer/multi-use field, soccer field, futsal field with lighting, two basketball courts with lighting, fitness station with shade, central plaza, dog park with small and large dog areas, five covered picnic/BBQ areas, walking trails, restroom, two parking lots with lighting, perimeter fencing, with lighting and landscaping throughout the park.

City of Coachella
Central Park: $8,454,600
Create the new Central Park in the City of Coachella. Acquire 4.7 acres. Construct a new playground with shade, splash pad, multi-purpose pavilion with restrooms, walking path, botanical/community garden, multi-purpose court, fitness area with shade, three picnic areas with shade and BBQs, multi-use field, perimeter fence, with lighting and landscaping throughout the park.

City of Indio
Indio New Sports Park: $8,500,000
Create the new 31-acre Indio Sports Park in the City of Indio. Construct two baseball fields, four soccer fields, seven open playfields, parking lot, each feature with dedicated lighting, one football field, restroom/concessions building, eight shade structures on sports fields, two shade structures, five picnic areas with shade, public art, walking pathways with lighting, with landscaping and lighting throughout the park.

City of Riverside, Parks & Recreation
Patterson Park: $7,150,000
Renovate Patterson Park in the City of Riverside. Construct a new jogging/walking loop, two soccer fields, full basketball court, six fitness nodes, splash pad, community plaza, restroom/storage building, two playgrounds with shade, public art, formal promenade, decorative block wall, perimeter fence, pathway with lighting, community plaza, and a fruit tree grove. Renovate the parking lot.

Desert Recreation District
Thermal Park Project: $4,500,000
Create the new Thermal Park in the Town of Thermal. Acquire approximately 5 acres. Construct a new playground, jungle gym, tennis courts, basketball court, baseball field, soccer field, three picnic areas, splash pad, garden, lighting throughout the park, restroom with snack bar, and landscaping throughout the park.

“People from all over the world come to visit our state’s natural wonders, but too many Californians today lack access to parks and open space in their own neighborhoods,” Newsom said. “This historic investment will revitalize and create new parks in more than 100 local communities, dramatically expanding access to the outdoors across the state and ensuring more Californians from all walks of life can reap the benefits for our hearts, minds and bodies for generations to come.”

California State Parks Director Armando Quintero added, “California State Parks is incredibly proud to announce grant funding for projects that will improve access to parks and open space and contribute to a better quality of life for so many Californians. Many of these projects will become a source of community pride, thanks to neighborhood residents, local park agencies and nonprofit organizations who worked together to design vibrant parks reflecting each community’s unique needs and creativity.”