Senator Bob Archuleta Presents $365,000 for Upgrades and Improvements to Rio Hondo Park, Smith Park and the Veterans and Ladies Auxiliary Park in Pico Rivera

PICO RIVERA CA – State Senator Bob Archuleta has secured $365,000 for the city of Pico Rivera to improve three of its Parks and Recreation facilities. The ceremony took place at Rio Hondo Park at 4:00 pm, Thursday, October 3, 2019 at 8421 San Luis Potosi Place, Pico Rivera, CA 90660 with children, city staff and elected officials.

The money includes $200,000 for the replacement of the playground at Rio Hondo Park; $70,000 for the replacement of the playground at Veterans and Ladies Auxiliary Park, and $95,000 for improvements to the swimming pool at Smith Park.

“I am grateful to the Governor and my colleagues in the senate and assembly who approved my request for the funds on behalf of the city of Pico Rivera,” Archuleta said. “The improvements will allow Pico Rivera residents to visit and enjoy the parks and use the upgraded facilities.”

The upgrades are needed because of aging structures that may cause a safety hazard to the public. The Rio Hondo park playground is 18-years-old and the one at Veterans and Ladies Auxiliary Park is 16.

The latter park, in particular, does not meet the basic minimum safety standards as defined by the Consumer Product Safety Commission for public playground safety.

The heating system for the Smith Park pool is beyond repair and is not energy efficient. Expansion joints for the pool will help maintain a water seal and protect from earthquakes. Currently, the pool is experiencing water loss, which requires it to be constantly refilled.

“The enhancements are not only necessary for public safety reasons,” Archuleta said, “but will also save the city money that could be used to fund other areas. And in the case of the pool at Smith Park, save water.”