The Arroyo Park Renovation Project, originally started in 2021, recently completed
By ALMA CULVERWELL — city@theaggie.org
The city of Davis completed a new shade structure project at Arroyo Park to provide West Davis residents with an enhanced outdoor space for leisure and gatherings.
Located in the heart of Arroyo Park, the new structure features a metal pavilion with six picnic tables, barbecue grills and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant pathway upgrades to offer greater convenience for all park visitors.
Beyond being a space for recreation and relaxation, the shade structure offers practical benefits. Guardians can sit under the pavilion and maintain a direct line of sight to both the nearby play structure and adjacent field, ensuring a clear view of children playing safely. The park’s overall accessibility has also been enhanced, ensuring that all visitors, regardless of mobility needs, can easily access the new pavilion and surrounding amenities.
The project was partially funded through a Recreational Infrastructure Revenue Enhancement (RIRE) grant designed to support community-based projects that improve public recreational spaces.
Additional financial backing and oversight came from the city of Davis Parks and Community Services Department along with contributions from the city’s Public Works Engineering and Transportation staff. The successful collaboration between these city departments played a crucial role in bringing this new facility to life.
Assistant Director of the city of Davis Parks and Community Services Department Tamiko Kwak explained the collaboration process between the two departments.
“Parks and Community Services works with the Public Works Engineering team for most of our capital improvement projects,” Kwak said. “Both departments work collaboratively from the beginning of the project design through the bidding process and monthly progress meetings to the final project walk-through and the ribbon cutting. The collaboration brings it all together to create a new amenity from a concept to reality.”
The new shade structure is expected to revitalize Arroyo Park, not only by providing a space for social events but by promoting greater overall park activation. The area, with its combination of open fields and play structures, has always been a popular destination for West Davis residents. Now, with the addition of the pavilion, the park has become even more versatile, encouraging more frequent use and larger gatherings.
West Davis residents have long regarded Arroyo Park as an important community hub, and the completion of the shade structure strengthens this role. The new pavilion adds value not just as a rentable space but as a comfortable resting area for park-goers of all ages.
The completion of this project is a reflection of the city of Davis’ commitment to enhancing public spaces and fostering a sense of community. With input from residents and local officials, the city has transformed an open area into a dynamic gathering spot, making Arroyo Park more welcoming and functional for current and future generations.
As the pavilion continues to be enjoyed by local residents, its presence is expected to encourage more outdoor activities and community engagement.
“The new amenity creates a shaded outdoor gathering place,” Kwak said. “With the picnic pavilion being adjacent to the aquatics complex, playgrounds and soccer fields, we anticipate this location to bring people together. This creates a place for gathering for events, celebrations or casual gatherings that foster community engagement. It provides an area that is protected from the sun, enabling outdoor activities throughout the year. It promotes social interaction through a public gathering space. It encourages outdoor activity which has been linked to boosting mental health and well-being.”
This new addition exemplifies how thoughtful city planning and targeted grant funding can contribute to the overall quality of life for residents. The Arroyo Park Shade Structure project stands as a testament to the city’s efforts to maintain and improve recreational spaces.
For those interested in reserving the pavilion for events, the city of Davis Parks and Community Services Department offers an easy online booking system, ensuring that residents can make the most of this new asset. Whether for a birthday party or a casual weekend barbecue, the new shade structure is ready to serve the Davis community for years to come.
In the meantime, residents are encouraged to visit Arroyo Park to experience the new pavilion first hand, explore the improved accessibility features and enjoy all that this upgraded space has to offer.
Written by: Alma Culverwell — city@theaggie.org
