Speaker Robert Rivas Recognizes the Grand Opening of Ensen Community Park in Salinas

SALINAS — Salinas is celebrating the grand opening of Ensen Community Park, a new green space that will transform how residents experience the outdoors.

The landmark project, which debuted to the public on August 17, includes a six acre neighborhood park, and will be followed by 67 acres of open space and habitat with publicly accessible trails.

The project was led by the Big Sur Land Trust in partnership with local, state, and federal agencies. To ensure strong community involvement, Big Sur Land Trust collaborated with the Center for Community Advocacy and more than a dozen Salinas-based organizations, engaging more than 7,000 residents to gather ideas and feedback for the park.

Funding came from grants provided by the California Coastal Conservancy, California Natural Resources Agency, Wildlife Conservation Board, California State Parks, California Department of Water Resources, the City of Salinas and private donors, raising nearly $40 million.

“This is more than just a new park. It is a promise to the families of Salinas that we are investing in more green spaces. I’m proud to see this project become a reality, and I look forward to the memories and opportunities it will bring to the people of Salinas,” Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas said.

“The Center for Community Advocacy (CCA) believes that Ensen Community Park and its future restoration area will continue to improve peoples' physical and mental health. For over eight years, CCA's leaders, families, and staff have worked alongside the Big Sur Land Trust on community engagement efforts that will bring access to open space and outdoor activities within walking distance to farmworker and low-income families, “ said Joel Hernandez Laguna, executive director of the Center for Community Advocacy.

“The creation of Ensen Community Park was a labor of love for us at Big Sur Land Trust. We are so grateful to the over 7,000 Salinas residents and community organizations who lead and participated in our design process over the past 8 years, and for the support of local and state elected officials and state agencies, foundations and private donors who provided the grant funding to make this possible. Much of the state funding came through State propositions like Proposition 68, and as part of the State’s 30x30 initiative that elevates nature-based solutions, climate resilience and park access for all and we deeply appreciate Speaker Rivas’s support of these as state priorities.  The 1,500 people who attended the grand opening of Ensen Community Park are testament to the critical need for park and open space access. The joy on families faces was amazing to witness,” said Rachel Saunders, vice-president of conservation for Big Sur Land Trust.
 

Named “Ensen,” the indigenous word for “blackberry,” the park honors the Ohlone people, whose ancestral lands include this area, and reflects Salinas’ commitment to centering history and cultural diversity.

Speaker Rivas is proud to celebrate this accomplishment for his community and remains dedicated to building a Salinas where every child has a safe place to play, every family can access nature and every neighborhood shares in the benefits of an investment like this.

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For more information, follow Speaker Robert Rivas at the following social media channels:

Instagram: @caspeakerrivas

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CASpeakerRivas/