By Lana Hy
Staff Writer
In partnership with Garvey School District, Marshall Community Park became San Gabriel City’s newest parkland in over a decade on Jan. 20. Marshall Park features a playground, game courts, a turf field, outdoor fitness equipment, picnic tables, a garden, along with a trail for walking and jogging.
A grand opening ceremony was held at Marshall Park where attendees got to enjoy food, games, and family-fun activities. Since there was a limited amount of parking spaces at the event, guests were able to take a free shuttle from the Del Mar/Norwood Park and Ride.
“I’m so glad that there’s a park within a five minute walking distance from my house,” shared Gabrielino High School freshman Gia Truong. “I can just walk there instead of bugging my older sister to drive me to Vincent Lugo or Smith Park.”
San Gabriel City was awarded $4 million by the Proposition 84 Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program in 2010 for the park project.
After years of delays due to complications regarding the park’s design and its location, however, construction did not start until the winter of 2016. The 2.24 acre park lies on the former John Marshall Elementary School site, which Garvey School District decided to close down in 2012 to leave space for the park.
Former San Gabriel City Manager, Steve Preston, told the Pasadena Star-News, “If the park wasn’t on a school site, it probably would’ve been built [seven] years ago.”
The park is located on 311 West Marshall Street on the corner of Jackson Ave and Norwood Place near 99 Ranch Market. It opens daily from 7:30 a.m to 10 p.m for family and friend gatherings, as well as recreational activities.
