Stanislaus County officials and community members gathered to mark the beginning of the Parklawn Pedestrian Sidewalk Project in south Modesto. The project aims to bring the Parklawn neighborhood up to city standards, a step that will help prepare the area for annexation into Modesto.
At the groundbreaking event, construction equipment was on site and decorated to celebrate the occasion. Juan Escatel, a musician from south Modesto, reflected on the long wait for these improvements. Through an interpreter, Escatel said, “There are really no words, we have been hoping for this for several years and it’s very emotional.” He noted that efforts to bring these changes to the community began in 2003.
The $22.4 million project was made possible in part by a $12.3 million federal grant awarded in 2021. Dave Leamon, Stanislaus County director of public works, explained the high costs of such infrastructure upgrades. “I figure it’s about $50,000 a lot, so if you’ve got a neighborhood with 1,000 houses, that’s how much it costs. It’s not like we fund these things through bake sales,” Leamon said.
Until now, Parklawn lacked sidewalks, making it difficult for older or disabled residents to move safely through the neighborhood. Stanislaus County District 5 Supervisor Channce Condit credited local advocacy for advancing the project. “Their advocacy helped my colleagues and myself to understand the importance of dedicating these funds to Parklawn,” Condit said. “I’ve walked the neighborhoods here in south Modesto and I’ve seen blight, I’ve seen disenfranchisement, I’ve seen generational gaps between south Modesto and other communities in our county. It’s long overdue.”
Sofia Barron, a resident of the nearby Shackelford neighborhood, spoke about the community’s reputation and her experiences living there. “It’s not just mud here, it’s actually a beautiful, loving and wonderful home and community,” she said. Barron described helping neighbors carry groceries through pooled water during storms and expressed hope for the future. “It’s a beautiful start of an ongoing chain that’s needed,” she said. “I love it, but you got to keep it going, because we’re still here.”
Elizabeth Morales, a member of the community group Manos Unidas, emphasized the role of local residents in driving change. “At Manos Unidas, we say, ‘We might not have money, but we have our hands, and we have the power to do different things for our community – to make change,’” she said.
Condit expressed hope that the neighborhood will soon meet city standards and be annexed. “We hope that it will be incorporated into the city of Modesto and this will be the last winter where we experience major floods in this neighborhood,” he said.
Leamon outlined the lengthy process behind the improvements, noting that installing sewer systems was the first priority. Previously, failing septic tanks caused problems in residents’ yards. The sewer upgrades were funded by a State Water Control Board grant. Additionally, $7.5 million secured by the city of Modesto will pay for new hydrants and a water system. “We teamed up with the city of Modesto and they’re paying for the brand-new water out here,” Leamon said. “Cities are better at delivering services to citizens than counties are, we’re just kind of lumbering.”
The completed Parklawn project will include ADA-compliant sidewalks, gutters, storm drain systems, and improved lighting. Felix Molina, project coordinator for AIM Consulting, highlighted the importance of community feedback in shaping the project. “[Residents] worry about their kids’ safety, they worry about crime, and so these improvements will help that and will bring more comfort to the neighbors that live here,” Molina said.
Leamon acknowledged the many groups involved in the effort, including state Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil, who secured $5 million in funding, as well as city and state agencies.
Condit also addressed ongoing needs in nearby neighborhoods. “Even though Parklawn will be completed entirely and we will move to annexation, there are much needed improvements in Sofia and Juan Diego’s neighborhood in the Bret Harte community,” Condit said. “You have my commitment that I will continue to advocate shoulder to shoulder with each and every one of you until those improvements are made.”
