Modesto – Advancing Park Equity for All Children
Access to safe, clean, and vibrant parks should be a right for all children — no matter their zip code.
Studies show that parks offer an ideal venue for physical activity, social connection, and other activities proven to improve mental health and fight chronic disease.
Yet in Modesto, safety concerns like poor lighting, stray dogs, drug use, and homeless encampments have prevented families from fully taking advantage of the benefits of parks, particularly in the underserved Robertson Road and James Marshall neighborhoods. Uneven ground, broken equipment, and limited amenities have long kept families away, further worsening health disparities and social isolation.
“Every child deserves a place outside to be with friends and enjoy nature without their parents worrying,” says Martin Montez, a member of the Tuolumne River Trust’s Park Youth Committee (PYC). “Modesto is a large city with people of many backgrounds and ways of life. I’ve seen good — and not-so-good — park maintenance. I’m glad we’re shining a light on that disparity.”
To address these inequities, the Tuolumne River Trust secured support from All Children Thrive-California (ACT) and others to establish PYC, empowering local youth to lead the charge for equitable park funding. ACT is a project of Public Health Advocates, funded by the California Department of Public Health in partnership with Community Partners and UCLA-Center for Healthier Children, Families, and Communities.
The committee engaged nearly 1,000 residents through surveys, presentations, and outreach events in both English and Spanish, eventually building enough support to convince city staff and the Modesto City Council to unanimously adopt Resolution #2024-155, a formal commitment to creating equitable, safe parks for every neighborhood.
“The Park Equity Resolution demonstrates the city’s commitment to listening to all residents, regardless of age,” says Modesto Mayor Sue Zwahlen. “It’s amazing to experience the power of youth advocates. We encourage youth to continue to be involved in the decision-making process. They have firsthand experiences that shine a light on the barriers young people face.”
PYC members crafted the resolution by examining the General Plans and Parks Master Plans of other cities. Drawing on successful park planning models, they developed an equitable framework to bring their vision to life. Since its passage, the Modesto Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhoods department has begun drafting a new Parks & Recreation Master Plan in partnership with youth leaders. The department works alongside youth to develop and place educational and interpretive signage for the Tuolumne River Regional Park.
“Parks were a huge part of my childhood, so when community members described the inequities between different neighborhoods in Modesto, it inspired us to find a solution,” says Taylor McGuire, another PYC member. “We want this master plan to give all our neighborhoods access to safe parks so they can enjoy their time outside, regardless of the income of residents who live there.”