Riverside park to get major renovation

Riverside will use a $7.1 million state grant to renovate Patterson Park, a popular facility in its Eastside neighborhood.

The funding, from the California Department of Parks and Recreation, will be distributed through the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Grant Program, according to a statement from the City.

“Enhancing the quality of life for our residents is a priority, and these upgrades will create an incredible environment for residents who are interested in getting some exercise in one of our parks,” Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson said in the statement. “Many thanks to State Parks for awarding these funds to our community.”

Improvements will include a jogging/walking loop, two soccer fields, a basketball court, six fitness nodes, a splash pad, community plaza, two playgrounds, a decorative wall and renovation of the parking lot.

About $2.42 billion in requests were received for more than 450 proposed projects statewide, according to the statement.