Martin Ray Reilly Park opens in Southeast Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A long-awaited park is now open in Southeast Fresno. Several local children helped with the dedication of Martin Ray Reilly Park at Highway 180 and Chestnut Avenue on Saturday.

The park features a grass field for soccer and football, basketball courts, barbecue areas and two tot lots for smaller kids. It also has a free water spray park to keep families cool during the hot summers.

Fresno City Council Member Clint Olivier says he started working on this project with Henry T. Perea before even taking office. He thanked local residents for their patience and support throughout the process.

"These kinds of things take years and years and years to do, and so I've been working on it for more than four years now, and very excited to finally be here," said Olivier. "And it's kind of like a dream. I can't believe it, but it's real."

The park was delayed in part because of funding issues during the recession, but officials say it remained a priority because the area is underserved when it comes to recreation.