The 1-acre neighborhood park is named for a former Parks and Rec director.
SANTA ANA, Calif. – The City of Santa Ana opened its newest park, named for a beloved former Parks and Recreation director, on Wednesday, Dec. 11, with a ribbon cutting ceremony and community celebration.
Gerardo Mouet Park is a 1-acre park located at Standard and McFadden avenues that transforms an underutilized lot into a vibrant and inclusive open space designed to serve the needs of Santa Ana’s diverse community. Mayor Valerie Amezcua was joined by Councilmembers David Penaloza, Benjamin Vazquez and Jessie Lopez, as well as Mr. Mouet’s widow, Jenny Doh, and other Mouet family members at the ribbon cutting.
“Gerardo Mouet Park represents the City of Santa Ana’s commitment to creating new green spaces and fostering community connections under our Parks Master Plan,” Mayor Amezcua said. “This park is a meaningful tribute to Mr. Mouet, who left a legacy of community advocacy, equity and environmental stewardship within our parks system.”
Mr. Mouet served as executive director of the City of Santa Ana Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agency for 14 years until 2018. Mr. Mouet passed away on March 7, 2023, at age 66.
During construction of the new park, the Parks and Recreation Agency asked the Santa Ana community to vote on the name in a community survey, and Gerardo Mouet Park was the clear winner. The name received unanimous support from the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Santa Ana City Council.
The park includes:
- State-of-the-art play equipment with a shade sail
- Outdoor exercise equipment
- Skatepark
- Basketball court and collapsible sports net
- Open turf
- Benches
- Picnic tables
- Drinking fountain
The $4.5 million Gerardo Mouet Park project was funded by the State of California Statewide Park Program Grant (Proposition 68) and the City’s acquisition and development funds. The City of Santa Ana Parks Master Plan, approved by the City Council in 2022, emphasizes the importance of increasing parkland in underserved areas, creating accessible spaces and promoting sustainability.
See photos of the Gerardo Mouet Park opening here.
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