October 16, 2023 Press Release: $4,034,000 grant received for improvements to Sycamore Park

Community Development & Services

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 16, 2023

Contact:

Marti Brown, City Manager, City of Willows

mbrown@cityofwillows.org

(530) 685-0069

$4,034,000 grant received for improvements to Sycamore Park

Willows, CA - On October 9, 2023, the City of Willows was awarded a $4,034,000 grant from the State’s Clean California Local Grant Program administered by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to improve Sycamore Park. These grant funds are distributed to local communities to beautify and improve local streets and roads, tribal lands, parks, pathways, and transit centers.

“I am really excited that we are able to improve the recreational opportunities for the people of Willows, including our neighbors in Northeast Willows and surrounding neighborhoods.,” commented Mayor Thomas.

These grant funds can only be used to rehabilitate Sycamore Park. Upgrades include a new sidewalk surrounding the park, replacement of the existing walking path, refurbishment of the existing tennis courts, installation of four new pickleball courts, additional trash receptacles, new water fountains, lighting for tennis and pickleball court facilities, and finally solar panels over existing public restrooms and shade area of the city swimming pool to operate the pool heater.

When asked to comment, Vice-Mayor Vodden had this to say: “This is really great news for the City and citizens of Willows. With the City’s current fiscal situation and delays in improving the pool, hopefully, we will find more funds like these to complete the rehabilitation of the City swimming pool.”

This grant is specific to parks and must be used in this area only. Grant funding is a key component of local government which, unfortunately, has no impact on the revenue shortfall that currently has the City on the ropes and seeking an increase in the sales tax to keep the core city business afloat.

“I wish there was a grant we could get to fund our local public safety needs,” Vice-Mayor Vodden added.

Fire Chief Monck led the grant application process in close collaboration with the City Engineer, former Community Development & Services Director, and City Manager. City staff are thrilled to be able to capture these State funds on behalf of the citizens of Willows and make needed upgrades to Sycamore Park as they continue to seek additional funding to repair the City swimming pool.

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