The City of Cathedral City celebrated a momentous milestone Thursday morning (May 22, 2025) with the official ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening of Esperanza Park, a 7.5-acre recreational facility that marks the culmination of years of community advocacy and collaboration.
The ceremony, held at 30610 San Diego Dr, drew community members, city officials, and representatives from partner organizations who played instrumental roles in bringing the $11 million project to fruition. Public Works Director John Corella served as master of ceremonies for the event that officially opened the park to the Dream Homes neighborhood, one of the oldest communities in both Cathedral City and the entire Coachella Valley.
“This Council couldn’t be prouder of this state-of-the-art park coming to our community,” said Mayor Nancy Ross during her remarks. “Not only will it provide an area for people to engage in recreational activities like walking, jogging, playing sports, and walking their pets… it also promotes physical fitness and mental relaxation.”
For District 4 Councilmember Ernesto Gutierrez, who represents the Dream Homes neighborhood, the opening held special significance. “This park isn’t just about playgrounds or green space, it’s about promise, renewal, and hope. That’s what Esperanza means. And that’s what this neighborhood has always deserved,” Gutierrez said.
The councilmember, who grew up in the Dream Homes community, reflected on the journey to bring the park to reality. “For years, Dream Homes lacked the kinds of public spaces that other neighborhoods enjoyed. But today marks a turning point. Today, we celebrate not just a grand opening—but a community victory.”
The comprehensive facility features children’s play areas, shaded picnic and barbecue spaces, an outdoor fitness area, multi-use and soccer fields, basketball courts, both large and small dog parks, and connections to the CV Link multi-modal corridor. The park also incorporates drought-tolerant landscaping and includes cultural elements celebrating the heritage and history of the community.
Mayor Ross emphasized the collaborative nature of the project, thanking City Manager Charlie McClendon and Assistant City Manager Anne Ambrose for their leadership, and acknowledging former Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia for helping secure the nearly $8.5 million in Statewide Park Program grant funding that made the project possible. She also recognized the dedicated city staff whose hard work and expertise brought the project from concept to completion, including Andres Perez (Esperanza Park Project Manager), Shawn Maddox (Development Project Manager – Engineering), and Armando Baldizzone (City Engineer).
“Improving the quality of Cathedral City’s outside spaces remains a top priority for our City Council,” Ross said. “One of the key components that makes parks and outdoor facilities so special is that they’re free for the public to use and provide memorable gathering places for families and people of all ages and backgrounds.”
The ceremony featured remarks from several dignitaries, including Troy Strange (Assistant General Manager at Desert Recreation District), Jacqueline Borboa (CA State Park District Environmental Coordinator), Tom Kirk (CVAG Executive Director), and Felipe Ortiz (Field Representative for Assemblymember Greg Wallis). Also in attendance were Armando Martinez (District Representative for Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh) and Lucas Piñon (Senior Field Representative for Rep. Raul Ruiz).
A key partnership with the Desert Recreation District, made possible through the passage of Measure W with 74% voter support, will ensure year-round programming and activities for residents of all ages. “This partnership ensures that Esperanza Park will offer diverse, year-round recreational programs and activities that serve residents of all ages,” Mayor Ross noted.
Councilmember Gutierrez highlighted the community-driven nature of the project’s development. “The residents of this neighborhood led the way—attending workshops, offering input, shaping the very design of this park to reflect their needs, culture, and dreams. That’s what makes this space so powerful—it was built by the community, for the community.”
The park’s opening represents nearly five years of collaborative effort involving residents, the City Council, Desert Healthcare District, Loma Linda University Health, El Sol Neighborhood Educational Center, and Agua Caliente Elementary School.
Looking ahead, Gutierrez expressed excitement about the park’s potential for community programming. “From health fairs to art shows, concerts to movie nights, the possibilities for this space are endless,” he said.
The new park also strengthens the area’s connection to regional recreation opportunities through the CV Link, a multi-modal pathway extending from Palm Springs to Coachella and the Salton Sea.
With the ribbon officially cut, Esperanza Park now stands as a symbol of hope and community investment in the Dream Homes neighborhood, providing a long-awaited recreational hub for one of Cathedral City’s most historic communities.
