Project Info
The City of West Sacramento transformed a stormwater and sanitary sewer easement site into the Joseph “Joey” Lopes Park, a four-acre public park. The park was funded by a state grant and is activated with programming to fill the needs of the surrounding community. Schmidt Design Group provided schematic design, construction documents, and construction administration for the City in the development of this unique linear park which is trifurcated by two surface streets. The rectilinear pathways and planting design of the park are a reflection of the historic agrarian land uses prevalent in the region. The design includes open turf areas for active use, two custom-designed shade structures covering picnic areas, two tot lots for younger and older children, and a central 10-foot-wide promenade that connects the three separate areas of the park. The design also includes a community garden, which residents of the nearby affordable-housing apartments and surrounding community can rent to grow fresh produce.
The park is named after famed West Sacramento boxer Joey Lopes who fought from the 1940’s through the 1950’s and became a community steward after retirement. A beautiful sculpture at the center of the park shows Joey at the height of his boxing career.
Awards
- Project of the Year, American Public Works Association, West Sacramento Chapter