In Watsonville, our parks are more than green spaces — they are essential gathering places where families connect, children play and residents of all ages find joy, wellness and belonging. As mayor, I am proud to share the exciting progress we are making to expand and improve our parks system, reinforcing our city’s long-standing commitment to creating safe, inclusive and accessible public spaces for all.
We are especially excited about the upcoming improvements at Callaghan Park, where new permanent pickleball courts will open this June. With newly striped surfaces, professional netting and enhanced fencing, these courts will offer a high-quality recreational space that reflects the growing popularity of the sport in our community. Thanks to the generosity of Friends of Watsonville Parks and Community Services, we are also resurfacing the basketball courts and installing brand-new backboards. These upgrades demonstrate how public-private partnerships can enrich our shared spaces and promote healthier, more active lifestyles for all.
At Ramsay Park, our largest and most popular park, the Ramsay Park Renaissance Project continues to move forward with transformative enhancements. This summer, residents will begin to see progress on several key features: perimeter fencing for a new dog park, spectator seating at Sotomayor Soccer Field and the installation of athletic lighting and netting posts across both sports fields. Additionally, vital improvements to stormwater and electrical infrastructure are underway — laying the groundwork for a modern, multi-use recreational facility that will serve our community for generations. We look forward to celebrating the full reopening of Ramsay Park in 2026 as a proud milestone in our city’s investment in youth, families and wellness.
Looking further ahead, we are preparing for an exciting new chapter at our beloved City Plaza. The City Plaza Revitalization Project, slated to begin in winter 2026, will honor the plaza’s historic character while enhancing its role as a civic and cultural centerpiece. Planned improvements include the restoration of the historic bandstand, a revitalized fountain area featuring a new brick plaza and the construction of a permanent stage to better accommodate community events, concerts and gatherings.
These projects are part of a broader vision for Watsonville — one where every resident has access to high-quality parks and recreation, regardless of age, background or neighborhood. By investing in park infrastructure, we are investing in public health, environmental resilience, neighborhood pride and social connection.
I want to thank our city staff, community organizations and especially our residents, whose trust and support through Measure R are making these transformative park improvements possible. I am confident that the parks we are improving today will become cherished spaces for future generations.
I look forward to seeing you out in our parks — enjoying, connecting and building community together.
Maria Orozco is the mayor of Watsonville.