City of Fresno breaks ground on 'Dolores Huerta Park'

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A groundbreaking ceremony was held Monday morning in west central Fresno at the corner of Milburn and Dakota avenues for what will become 'Dolores Huerta Park.'

It will be the first park in the city to be named after a Latina.

The civil rights icon co-founded the United Farm Workers of America union with Cesar Chavez.

"Her rallying cry 'si se puede' reminds us that change is always possible when people come together and demand better. This park embodies that very spirit," said city councilmember Annalisa Perea.

This meaningful project was first championed by Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria when she was on the city council.

"This park is by the people, for the people of not just Fresno, but of West Fresno," said Soria.

The 200,000 square foot property will feature a splash pad, pickleball courts and shaded picnic areas.

The $10 million project is being funded by the city and the state.

"I'm sure there are many farmworkers in this neighborhood who are out there every day picking our food. This is a place they can come and they can recreate, and especially for our young people," said Huerta.

Huerta is fresh off her appearance on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live,' guest-hosted by Diego Luna, last week.

"I did want to take advantage of that moment to be able to bring some hope to our community, to let people know -- as I said there -- they can cut all the flowers, but they can't hold back the spring. And we are the spring," said Huerta.

Even in this moment honoring her legendary career, she's looking to the future. We asked her what the moment means to her.

"I hope that I will not be the last one. We hope there will be many more parks, many schools and other buildings named after our Latina leaders," said Huerta.

The city says the park will be open next year.

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