GUSTINE — City parks across Gustine have seen a wave of improvements over the past year, with more upgrades on the horizon as officials plan for the future of recreation, open space and community gathering areas.
Economic and Community Development Director Jami Westervelt said two of the most recent projects took place at Henry Miller Park, where the city installed a new playground and completed a full rehabilitation of the park’s gazebo.
The new playground replaces all previous equipment and expands features for children of different ages. The upgraded area includes pieces designed for younger children — such as a playhouse, balance beam and musical element — along with a main play structure that now incorporates shade. The city also added an ADA‑accessible ramp and replaced the wood fiber throughout the play area.
Westervelt said the redesign uses the full footprint of the former playground while improving accessibility and increasing options for families.
Another major upgrade at Henry Miller Park was the restoration of the gazebo, one of the park’s most recognizable features. The project included a new roof, custom powder‑coated commercial railings to replace aging ones, and fresh paint.
“The completed rehabilitation of the gazebo at Henry Miller Park both extends the life and safety of the structure,” Westervelt said. “New paint enhances the aesthetic appeal of the structure that is a centerpiece of the park.”
Other recent improvements have taken place across Gustine’s parks. At Harry Schmidt Park, the Peterson Shelter received new picnic tables and fresh paint. The Rotary Shelter at Henry Miller Park received new garage doors for storage areas, and additional picnic tables were added near the tennis courts at Schmidt Park.
Looking ahead, one of the city’s largest upcoming projects is the full rehabilitation of Pioneer Park on Gustine’s east side. Westervelt said the city is in the final design stages for a complete upgrade of the pocket park, which has historically served the surrounding neighborhood.
“Upgrades are expected to potentially bring more interest in the park from the community as a whole,” she said.
The Pioneer Park project is funded through a competitive California State Parks grant under Proposition 68. The timing of the award created challenges, as it arrived just as the COVID‑19 pandemic began. Rising costs forced the city to modify the original scope, and officials recently received state approval for those changes. Engineers are expected to finish the modified design soon, with the project planned to go out for bid in the fall. Construction could begin after the contract is awarded, likely in early 2027.
Once complete, Pioneer Park will feature new recreation opportunities, including what Westervelt described as the first publicly accessible full‑court basketball court in a Gustine city park. The project also includes a modern playground for multiple age groups, a new patio area and updated fencing.
Future park improvements beyond Pioneer Park will depend largely on funding. Westervelt said the city’s General Fund typically cannot support large‑scale park upgrades, meaning Gustine often relies on grants and Utility User Tax funds. The city may also consider using annual payments from a local cannabis business for future community projects, including parks. The City Council approves specific uses for those funds each year.
When determining which park projects to pursue, Westervelt said the city evaluates public safety, facility conditions, community use and long‑term maintenance responsibilities. Public Works and Recreation staff conduct ongoing assessments to identify maintenance needs.
“For maintenance, the City continually assesses needs at its parks,” Westervelt said. “Public safety tops priorities, but the City also strives to keep existing facilities functioning properly and clean.”
For new projects, the city considers expected community use, nearby recreation options, social and health benefits, and long‑term operating costs. Funding opportunities also play a major role — Pioneer Park qualified for the competitive state grant program, allowing the city to apply and secure funding.
Volunteers remain an important part of Gustine’s park and recreation efforts. Westervelt said volunteers help make community events possible, especially with limited staffing.
“Volunteers play a vital role in the City being able to hold events in our community and our parks,” she said. The city’s recent Earth Day event was one example, with volunteers helping improve parks and community spaces. Officials hope to build on that momentum with future Earth Day events and expanded volunteer support.
Residents interested in volunteering are encouraged to sign up with the city and select the types of activities they would like to support. Westervelt said having a list of volunteers and their interests helps the city better organize people who want to make a difference.
As Gustine continues planning for the future of its parks, Westervelt said the city’s vision is to create and maintain safe, attractive and functional spaces that serve residents of all ages.
“The City seeks to host park, recreation and open spaces throughout the city that enhance the quality of life for residents of all ages,” she said.
With new playground equipment installed, the Henry Miller Park gazebo restored and Pioneer Park moving closer to construction, Gustine’s parks continue to grow as places where families gather, children play and the community connects.
