Closter Park reopens in East Salinas after major renovations, renewing a historic community hub.

Closter Park in East Salinas officially reopened on Saturday, Aug. 29 after a $10 million renovation that City leaders and neighboring residents hailed as both a long-awaited neighborhood upgrade and a tribute to generations of families who have used the park since the 1970s.

The seven-acre park’s transformation was funded primarily by a state of California Prop 68 grant — about $6.8 million, according to Kristan Lundquist, Salinas’ library and community services director— with the remaining just over $3 million covered by American Rescue Plan Act funds and Salinas City general funds.

The restoration was identified as a top priority in the 2019 parks, recreation, and libraries master plan, reflecting years of complaints about deteriorated fields, aging facilities, and safety concerns, according to Victor Tafoya, chair of the library and community services commission.

Groundbreaking construction kicked off on April 9, 2025 and for longtime residents, the change is dramatic.

“[The park] was completely just beaten up, not kept nicely,” says Benjamin Mancillas, 34, who grew up nearby and used to walk to the park from Williams Street. “It’s very uplifting to see the transformation. I’ll be coming more often and doing my best as a resident of Salinas to make sure the park is kept clean.”

In 1977, the Salinas City Council approved the construction of the recreation facility at Closter Park and in 2007, they approved leasing the recreation facility to the Salinas Boxing Club. To this day, that boxing club still provides services at the Park. And in 2012, a plazita and gazebo was built as a nod to the Latino culture in the heart of Alisal funded by the Salinas Rotary Clubs and donors, according to the City’s webpage.

Lundquist emphasized that the design was shaped through community outreach and neighborhood input, with features intended to serve all ages: renovated baseball fields, a new basketball court, a fitness loop around the park with fitness stations, amphitheater-style seating for outdoor performances, and a community event space. The park has four public restrooms serving the site.

Mayor Dennis Donohue described the reopening as the culmination of years of advocacy and planning.

“This has been more than a year in the making and waiting, and now that this day is finally here, it’s terrific for the neighborhood,” Donohue said. “This is truly a park that is a community destination throughout the entire city, we all have memories of Closter Park.”

The grand reopening also marked the 75th anniversary of Salinas National Little League at Closter Park and the five-year anniversary of the Amor Salinas beautification initiative, underscoring the park’s role as both a historic gathering place and a renewed hub for youth sports, family events, and neighborhood pride.

Donohue shared his last home run was on the park's baseball field. Lundquist shared a similar sentiment.

“When I returned to Salinas to serve my community after graduating from college over 30 years ago, I played on this very field for many years as a participant in the City's co-ed softball league,” Lundquist said. “Like many residents, Closter Park holds a special place in my heart, and it has been an honor and a privilege to be involved in this project and see this critical renovation come to life.”

Closter Park is located at 401 Towt St. and is open from 5am-8pm.