Fireworks lit up the sky over Al Patch Park in Vacaville Friday night, and hundreds braved the fall chill to see a long-time city dream realized.
The entire City Council, as well as Mayor Len Augustine and several other city officials, were present to dedicate the park. The grand opening was accomplished in classic American style, complete with hot dogs, fireworks and several sports activities.
Many years in the planning, the park includes softball fields, a football field and a lighted, all-weather track. In his remarks, Augustine said the complex features 9.5 acres of grass turf, 50,000 square feet of fencing, 300,000 watts of lighting and 8,000 linear feet of storm drain pipe, the latter under the track and football field.
"We are very excited about the new facility," Augustine said, "and there are many people who worked hard to make it a reality."
Two days before the park's opening, Vice Mayor Pauline Clancy called the project a labor of love.
"When you work for years on something and you finally see it happen, it gives you a wonderful feeling," Clancy said.
Clancy's son Don, who coached track and cross country in Vacaville for 15 years, was among those recognized for his contribution. In the 1990s, he decided that runners needed their own amenities in the city, and he approached the public works director with the idea.
"It is Oct. 13, but it feels like Dec. 25," Clancy said, standing on a state-of-the-art track composed of material from 6,000 recycled tires. "This feels just like Christmas." The track was paid for through grant funds and Proposition 12 funds, which are designated for parks.
Also present were Warden Martin Veal of the California Medical Facility and John Sturdee representing the Vacaville Bengals. Veal spoke about corrections officer Al Patch, who died in the line of duty and for whom the park is named.
"It is a privilege to participate in this ceremony and honor one of our own," Veal said. "He was a good man, a good human being and a fine and fair officer."
The event had a special guest in Kim Reeves, Patch's daughter, who arrived from Montana to witness the park's dedication. She said the park is named for a dedicated and courageous man, and she has anticipated its opening for a long time.
"This park is just amazing," she said. "We are so impressed and so happy with it."
In addition to being a community facility, the park is also the new base of operations for the Vacaville Bengals Pop Warner football team. Sturdee said he and the Bengals are very proud to call the park home.
"We are very pleased to have this facility, and we will be very good stewards," Sturdee said. "I hope all future generations will enjoy playing football here as much as we have this season."
The entire City Council, as well as Mayor Len Augustine and several other city officials, were present to dedicate the park. The grand opening was accomplished in classic American style, complete with hot dogs, fireworks and several sports activities.
Many years in the planning, the park includes softball fields, a football field and a lighted, all-weather track. In his remarks, Augustine said the complex features 9.5 acres of grass turf, 50,000 square feet of fencing, 300,000 watts of lighting and 8,000 linear feet of storm drain pipe, the latter under the track and football field.
"We are very excited about the new facility," Augustine said, "and there are many people who worked hard to make it a reality."
Two days before the park's opening, Vice Mayor Pauline Clancy called the project a labor of love.
"When you work for years on something and you finally see it happen, it gives you a wonderful feeling," Clancy said.
Clancy's son Don, who coached track and cross country in Vacaville for 15 years, was among those recognized for his contribution. In the 1990s, he decided that runners needed their own amenities in the city, and he approached the public works director with the idea.
"It is Oct. 13, but it feels like Dec. 25," Clancy said, standing on a state-of-the-art track composed of material from 6,000 recycled tires. "This feels just like Christmas." The track was paid for through grant funds and Proposition 12 funds, which are designated for parks.
Also present were Warden Martin Veal of the California Medical Facility and John Sturdee representing the Vacaville Bengals. Veal spoke about corrections officer Al Patch, who died in the line of duty and for whom the park is named.
"It is a privilege to participate in this ceremony and honor one of our own," Veal said. "He was a good man, a good human being and a fine and fair officer."
The event had a special guest in Kim Reeves, Patch's daughter, who arrived from Montana to witness the park's dedication. She said the park is named for a dedicated and courageous man, and she has anticipated its opening for a long time.
"This park is just amazing," she said. "We are so impressed and so happy with it."
In addition to being a community facility, the park is also the new base of operations for the Vacaville Bengals Pop Warner football team. Sturdee said he and the Bengals are very proud to call the park home.
"We are very pleased to have this facility, and we will be very good stewards," Sturdee said. "I hope all future generations will enjoy playing football here as much as we have this season."
