The City of Yakima (City) previously completed the RCO Conversion process at Chesterley Park to allow for the building of the new YMCA Aquatic/Fitness facility.  As a result, the City is obligated to develop replacement property as a new public park for the area lost at Chesterley Park.

The City owns approximately 32 acres of property located at 1900 South 36th Avenue (Parcel 181334-42002) adjacent to the SOZO Sports Complex which is the replacement property to be used as a new public park per the RCO requirements.  On or about July 12, 2017, the City entered into contracts with SOZO Sports of Central Washington (“SOZO”) to lease the property from the City and develop and maintain the property as a public park.  SOZO was granted the right to name the public park and named the new public park “Gloria’s Park.”

Gloria’s Park will be a City-owned park open to the public to offer natural trails, open green space, picnic area, restrooms and playground that will be developed and managed at the expense of SOZO per agreement with the City.  

The City was awarded a grant from the Department of Commerce in the amount of $225,040 to fund such activities as site development, construction of restrooms, pathways and parking for the new park.  The City will be a pass-through of the grant funding by reimbursing SOZO for expenses they accrue during the development of the park.

Grant Agreement No. 23-96643-141 for the amount of $225,040 between the City and the Department of Commerce has been attached for City Council review.