The city of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department has announced the opening of Dejoy Neighborhood Park and Taylor Neighborhood Park, two new community parks designed to bring green spaces directly into neighborhood settings.

Developed on previously vacant lots, these are the city’s first official pocket parks, which are small-scale parks typically less than one acre in size. Their opening marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to expand access to local parks and outdoor recreation, the city said.
 
Dejoy Neighborhood Park is on North Dejoy Street, between 1751 and 1761. Taylor Neighboorhood Park is at the north end of North Miller Street.

Both locations were selected as part of a targeted effort to increase park access in neighborhoods with limited recreational amenities.

The initiative stems from the city’s commitment to providing neighborhood-scale parks that are within a 10-minute walk of city-residents’ homes.

This vision was shaped by the 2019 Leisure Needs Assessment, which highlighted a strong community desire for additional parks featuring walking paths, playgrounds, and shaded areas, particularly on the north side of Santa Maria.

Construction was delayed in late 2023 due to high bids, but revised proposals allowed work to begin in mid-2024. The park was funded in part through federal stimulus dollars, with the total project costs estimated at about $300,000.

The opening of both parks brings Santa Maria’s total number of parks to 33.

“These neighborhood-focused investments reflect the city’s ongoing commitment to enhancing community well-being by creating safe, welcoming, and easily accessible outdoor spaces for city-residents of all ages,” the city said.

Direct questions to the Recreation and Parks Department, 805-925-0951 ext. 2260.