This article had several errors which have been corrected. See individual corrections at end and Thank You to everyone who sent in corrections.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Fullerton City Council has allocated approximately $3 million for the revitalization of Independence Park, a decision championed by District 5 representative Councilmember Dr. Ahmad Zahra. Zahra secured funding for Independence Park from Congressmembers Lou Correa and Tom Umberg, as well as OC Board of Supervisors Doug Chaffee. Unfortunately, with the new administration, the federal funding was reduced.<\/p>\n
This funding came on the heels of the successful reopening of Union Pacific Park, which had been closed for 22 years, and the launch of the Union Pacific Trail. The trail had a very public six-year dispute between the community and the city council majority, including members Whitaker, Jung, and Dunlap. The Union Pacific Trail received a $1.78 million grant from the Urban Greening Program, thanks to the advocacy efforts of Eglith Nuncci and Zahra. This funding was originally approved unanimously by the city council in 2021, along with an additional $330,712 from Park Dwelling Funds.<\/p>\n
When privatizing Independence Park came up at a recent Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, Zahra began the real work of fighting for the public space. Zahra has been a strong advocate for public parks, opposing the privatization of these community spaces, which he believes prioritizes profit over local needs. See the video here: https:\/\/fullerton.granicus.com\/player\/clip\/2202?view_id=2&redirect=true<\/a><\/p>\n Zahra argues that allowing out-of-state organizations to manage parks reduces public access and undermines the community\u2019s interests. \u201cFullerton has been treating its south side as an afterthought, where families must wait years for park improvements in an already park-deficient area,\u201d he stated, highlighting the inequities in resource allocation.<\/p>\n Improvements at Independence Park will include the construction of the City\u2019s first adaptive playground, upgraded restroom facilities, and renovations to the gymnasium.<\/p>\n Zahra\u2019s advocacy extends to developing a comprehensive Parks Master Plan to guide future investments in recreation across Fullerton. On October 7, 2025, City Council directed staff to issue an RFP for consultant services to develop a Parks Master Plan by a unanimous 5\u20130 vote (Jung, Charles, Dunlap, Valencia, and Zahra).<\/p>\n Zahra has repeatedly called for a clear policy on park-dwelling fees to ensure a fair distribution of resources. Read his article here: https:\/\/fullertonobserver.com\/2025\/11\/18\/why-fullerton-needs-a-park-dwelling-fee-policy\/<\/a><\/p>\n As Fullerton moves forward with its revitalization efforts, Zahra remains steadfast in his belief that community interests must come first, countering any trend toward privatizing public parks.<\/p>\n The issue is expected to come before the City Council at its mid February or early March meetings.<\/p>\n For more details on the project, residents can visit the City of Fullerton\u2019s official website. (https:\/\/www.cityoffullerton.com\/government\/departments\/parks-recreation\/parks-trails-and-fields\/independence-park<\/a>).<\/p>\n ###<\/p>\n CORRECTIONS<\/p>\n Thank you to all those who contacted the paper with corrections on this article and apologies to Deputy CM Daisy Perez for the inaccurate information in the original article \u2013 which has been corrected.<\/p>\n RE: City of Fullerton Allocates $3 Million for Independence Park Revitalization\u201d (January 28, 2026).<\/p>\n Deputy City Manager Daisy Perez was not present at the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting referenced in the article and has never suggested privitizing Independence Park as was stated in the original article (since corrected).<\/p>\n At that meeting, staff requested feedback from the Parks and Recreation Commission regarding potential project phasing options. No recommendations were made by staff to the Commission.<\/p>\n Other clarifications on City Council actions related to Independence Park:<\/p>\n \u2022 2023 \u2013 $2.7 million federal earmark through US Congressmembers Correa and Umberg was recommended for approval but dropped to $250,000 in 2024 under the new administration and is still not a sure thing.<\/p>\n \u2022The City Council allocated $2 million to the project from Park Dwelling Developer Fees from the HUB, completed in 2025.\u00a0On June 4, 2024, City Council approved the FY 2024\u201325 Budget, which included a $2,000,000 allocation for Independence Park, by a 4\u20131 vote (Dunlap, Jung, Charles, and Zahra voting yes; Whitaker voting no).<\/p>\n \u2022The state granted $1 million specifically for the Independence Gym. On February 18, 2025, City Council adopted a resolution accepting a $1,000,000 state grant secured by State Senator Umberg for Independence Park by a 4\u20130\u20131 vote (Jung, Charles, Dunlap, and Valencia voting yes; Zahra absent).<\/p>\n \u2022 The county granted $100,000 for any improvements needed.\u00a0 That money was used for restrooms.<\/p>\n \u2022On October 7, 2025, City Council directed staff to issue an RFP for consultant services to develop a Parks Master Plan by a unanimous 5\u20130 vote (Jung, Charles, Dunlap, Valencia, and Zahra).<\/p>\n Additional, up-to-date information regarding the Independence Park project is available on the City\u2019s website at:<\/p>\n