In conjunction with the Tennyson Street Improvements, Chavez Park will be receiving much needed park improvements with a focus on better access between the park and surrounding community. Proposed upgrades within the park include improved access at the northwest and southwest corners of the park, a new plaza area adjacent to Tennyson Street with seat walls and accessible walks into the park, a half-court basketball court, table tennis, and bocce courts. The existing ball field will be reprogrammed as a grass pitch-catch ball field and soccer field. Construction of these improvements is scheduled to begin in August, 2011. The park will officially be reopened to the public in Spring of 2012.
For more information on the project in full visit the city's website.
About Cesar Chavez
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César Estrada Chávez (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈsesaɾ esˈt̪ɾaða ˈtʃaβes]; March 31, 1927 – April 23, 1993) was an American farm worker, labor leader, and civil rights activist who, with Dolores Huerta, co-founded the National Farm Workers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers (UFW).[1]
A Mexican American, Chávez became the best known Latino civil rights activist, and was strongly promoted by the American labor movement, which was eager to enroll Hispanic members. His public-relations approach to unionism and aggressive but nonviolent tactics made the farm workers' struggle a moral cause with nationwide support. By the late 1970s, his tactics had forced growers to recognize the UFW as the bargaining agent for 50,000 field workers in California and Florida. However, by the mid-1980s membership in the UFW had dwindled to around 15,000.
After his death he became a major historical icon for the Latino community, and for liberals generally, symbolizing militant support for workers and for Hispanic power based on grass roots organizing and his slogan "Sí, se puede" (Spanish for "Yes, it is possible" or, roughly, "Yes, it can be done"). His supporters say his work led to numerous improvements for union laborers. His birthday, March 31, has become César Chávez Day, a state holiday in three US states. Many parks, cultural centers, libraries, schools, and streets have been named in his honor in cities across the United States.