A project to improve Martha McLean Anza Narrows Park in Riverside received a significant financial boost when the California Coastal Conservancy awarded as much as $6 million to the city of Riverside, officials said Tuesday.
The funds will pay for half the cost of the project, which aims to expand the public’s access to the nearby Santa Ana River and accompanying trail, officials said. The Riverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department will seek additional funding needed before work can begin.
The project seeks to transform the park on Jurupa Avenue into an inviting area that reconnects residents to the Santa Ana River as part of the Riverside Gateway Project Master Plan. The 39.5-acre, city-owned park overlooks the river and is adjacent to the Santa Ana River Trail.
“These funds will greatly assist in our efforts to connect Riversiders with the river that gives our city its name,” Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson, who championed the effort, said in a statement. “I look forward to the day when all our residents have safe and convenient access to this incredible recreational amenity.”
Currently the park has few modern amenities but no playground or restrooms. Plans call for a playground, nature play area, exercise stations, swings overlooking the river, open meadows and shade structures, officials said.
A bandshell will offer an affordable venue for arts and cultural events, and the project will add two restroom facilities to the park.
Interpretive installations and artwork throughout the park “will tell a complete and inclusive history of the site, highlighting Indigenous perspectives,” according to the city. “Habitat improvements and new landscaping will prevent unauthorized vehicles from accessing the river and improve access for pedestrians.”
The park’s turf will be replaced with native and near-native pollinator plants.
A clearly marked trailhead will guide hikers, who also will benefit from improved parking, upgraded irrigation, lighting, shade, drinking-water fountains and a path made of decomposed granite.
Information from the state about the park project is available online.
