By Kathy Chouteau
San Pablo officials joined community members Thursday, Nov. 14 at the city’s newest park, “Happy Friday Park—In Honor of Jorge Rueda” to cut the ribbon and officially open it.
Located in the heart of a San Pablo neighborhood at 1701 Bush Avenue (at 17th St.), the city transformed a dilapidated corner lot into a small-but-mighty park throughout the late summer and early fall of 2024. The park name honors Jorge Rueda and his years of service to the children of Downer Elementary School.
The park features a variety of playground structures designed for children ranging from 5-12 years old, exercise equipment, a small wrap-around, paved walkway, a drinking fountain—including a special option for furballs—cubes for sitting/jumping, and a beautiful landscape marked by two towering cornstalks.
The name for the park was recommended to the San Pablo City Council by local residents, Downer Elementary faculty and students and the city’s Neighborhood Champions, who help improve city beauty and cleanliness.
“The City of San Pablo is excited to introduce our new pocket park, Happy Friday Park…offering active and passive recreation for the community,” said San Pablo Community Services Director Greg Dwyer in the City’s Fall 2024 Activity Guide. He encouraged people to visit the new park and explore its offerings.
Before:
Today:
