Merced County is applying for a State grant to create a new park in the Franklin-Beachwood area (also known as Beachwood-Franklin).

An in-person outdoor workshop is planned for Saturday, February 6 at 10 a.m. at the Stefani Elementary School parking lot, 2678 Ranchero Lane. Stefani Elementary School is right next to the 18-acre site that the County has purchased to create a new park for area residents.

The grant can provide $8.5 million to create the new park. Through a series of surveys and nine public meetings, community residents have already requested that picnic shelters, soccer field, baseball field, playground, walking path, and a community recreation center be prioritized for the grant proposal.

The grant can also pay for art, landscaping and safety items in the park. This could include features such as tile murals, additional lighting and security cameras. The workshop attendees will be asked for their opinion on the type of safety and beautification features that would be best for the new park.

The grant is due in March, and award announcements are expected by September.

The February 6 workshop will be held outside and social distancing measures will be in place. Attendees are requested to wear a mask.

For more information, call Merced County Grant Writer Patti Dossetti at 209-385-7637 ext. 4467.