Hollister revamps its parks

The city of Hollister is taking big steps to revamp recreational parks after damage from vandalism a few months ago put some park facilities off limits to residents.

Workers were busy Thursday getting one new playground ready to open. Since Monday, crews have been in high gear, putting in a new playground at Las Brisas Park — an investment in making the park even better.

Mike Chambless works in the management services for Hollister and he said,

“I took an item to council in December with the idea of not replacing the playground but expanding the playground and the City Council agreed.”

Crews started pouring cement in 30 support holes for playground equipment, smoothing the way for a jungle gym and a new slide.

Mayor Ignacio Velazquez said it’s part of a bigger project to improve the city’s recreational facilities.

“We want to make sure people in Hollister enjoy where they live. So we’re fixing up all the parks,” said Velazquez.

Another new project is Park Hill. Velazquez said upgrading this park and two others will cost the city about $130,000.

“The kids are going to love it, and we’re very excited when we do the opening to see the kids out here,” said Velazquez.

Another smaller playground will go in at the Hollister dog park around April. Hollister resident Ariahnna Romero is excited.

“I think that’d be a great addition to the park. Kind of a family dynamic. Dogs get their exercise, kids get their exercise,” Romero said.

“We’re investing in our community, so we are going to be doing a lot of great things here in Hollister in the next five years,” said Velazquez.

The Hollister City Council will get an update on the playground’s progress on Monday night.

The new playground should be open soon, after an inspection is done.