“Tupman Park is a perfect example of why residents are so important in getting critical resources to their neighborhood.”
~Ariana Martinez-Lott, City Councilmember Miguel Arias’ Office
On November 4, 2022, families gathered at the intersection of East California Avenue and South Tupman Street to celebrate the grand opening of Tupman Park.
Playful squeals and laughter filled this Southwest Fresno neighborhood as children played on the merry-go-round, bucket swings, and slides their community advocated for during a five year, collaborative process.
Dreaming of Change
“What neighborhood you are in often determines what amenities you have and what amenities you get used to,” said Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer, at Tupman Park’s grand opening celebration.
For decades, Tupman Park served as a home to a grassy field, three picnic tables, and a barbecue grill.
“Unhoused people were using the park because there was nothing to do for families,” said Alice Green, the City of Fresno’s Community Revitalization Specialist.
Tasha and Kyle Guess are raising their four daughters in a home near Tupman Park. In 2018, the Guess family and other members of the West Fresno Peacemakers neighborhood group met with Alice Green from the City of Fresno to begin discussing how they could make Tupman Park a safe and welcoming space for their community.
The group met on a regular basis for refreshments and an occasional dinner in the evenings after work.
Pastor Gaina Flores opened up her church for these meetings to take place. During their meetings, Alice helped residents learn who to talk to at the City of Fresno and what processes were required to get stoplights repaired, graffiti removed, and park equipment installed.
“It took a lot of commitment, guidance, and support, and also knowing the right people to go to,” says Vittoria Molina, a member of the neighborhood group, Our Voice Project.
At one of their meetings, Alice informed residents about community development grant dollars that became available to fund projects like Tupman Park.
“If [you] want your dream to have a chance,” Alice told residents, “we need to go to public hearings at City Hall.”
In January of 2018, families, pastors, and others from the 93706 Southwest Fresno neighborhood went to Fresno City Hall to make a request for the installation of play equipment at Tupman Park. The City awarded Tupman Park a fence and play equipment and projected the park would be completed in the spring of 2019.
A Shift in Tupman Park’s Culture
Although no playground equipment had been installed yet, neighbors decided to begin making Tupman Park a space where families gathered. They rallied to organize community events in the park on a regular basis throughout 2018 and 2019.
Fence-painting, a March for Peace, Lego Party, Prayer in the Park, fitness classes, and other community events drew neighbors together like never before! Tupman Park grew as a bright light in the Southwest Fresno neighborhood.
Persistence through the Pandemic
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, residents were told playground equipment had been purchased, but two bids were needed with licensed contractors for the installation to take place. Residents consistently followed up with city officials about securing the bids, planting trees, and building a fence.
The City of Fresno installed trash cans throughout the park. In 2020, Beautify Fresno planted trees alongside city officials and residents. Local children identified which ones were “theirs” as they helped to plant the baby trees.
In early 2021, neighbors continued to await the installation of the playground. During this time, Daniel Dominguez with Every Neighborhood Partnership encouraged Tasha Guess to write a letter to Councilmember Miguel Arias’ office requesting their project not be forgotten.
Ariana Martinez-Lott, a member of Councilmember Arias’ team, began attending City PARCS meetings monthly in 2021. Ariana diligently ensured Tupman Park was an item of discussion at each meeting. After continuous roadblocks with funding requirements to complete the project, Councilmember Arias worked with his Council colleagues and the PARCS department to secure the financial resources needed to move toward the construction of the playground amenities.
Thanks to the advocacy of leaders like Ariana, the persistence of community members, the hospitality of churches and schools, the cooperation of the City of Fresno, and the support of so many others… neighbors gathered around their newly-installed playground in the fall of 2022.
A Playground at Last
“The residents refused to accept what has been told to them of their own community- that they don’t deserve the same quality of investments as North Fresno,” says Ariana Martinez-Lott.
Tupman Park is a perfect example of why residents are so important in getting critical resources to their neighborhood.”
Next time you’re in the area, be sure to stop by this beautiful symbol of resilience and collaboration bringing life to the 93706 Southwest Fresno neighborhood.
Tupman Park Video Interviews
Hear more about Tupman Park’s inspirational story through the video below:
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