Calwa Park Renovation Update!

byFresno BHC/February 23, 2026/inOutdoor Access

Calwa Park is transforming in real time.

Since construction began, crews have made significant progress beneath the surface, completing critical infrastructure that will support the park for decades to come.

Over the past several months, teams have installed new water lines, electrical systems, and upgraded drainage throughout the park’s central core between the community center and the art wall. This foundational work may not be the most visible part of the renovation, but it is some of the most important. These improvements ensure the park is safer, more resilient, and built to handle future growth and community use.

Playground and fitness equipment installation is expected soon, bringing the community-designed features to life. With this next phase almost underway, Calwa Park remains on schedule for a grand reopening in Summer 2026.

It may still look like a construction zone today, but what’s rising in its place is one of the most thoughtfully designed, family-centered parks in the region.

What’s Coming to Calwa Park

This project is a complete renovation of the heart of Calwa Park. Every element was chosen by the people who use this space every day – youth, families, and longtime Calwa residents.

New features include:

• Three brand-new playgrounds designed for different age groups and accessibility
• A walking loop that promotes health and fitness
• Shaded BBQ and picnic areas for family gatherings and weekend celebrations
• Outdoor fitness structures for youth, adults, and seniors
• A sensory garden filled with drought-resistant native plants
• An open market plaza and art kiosks to showcase local talent
• Improved lighting and landscaping to boost the park’s safety and comfort
• Restoration of the historic rocket ship and exterior improvements to the snack bar
• New drinking fountains and shade trees

This $6.6 million renovation – funded through Proposition 68 and led by Fresno BHC in partnership with Friends of Calwa and the Calwa Recreation and Park District – reflects exactly what the community asked for: a park that is safe, shaded, fun, and welcoming to all.

A Park for Everyone

Calwa Park is a critical community space for thousands of residents in southeast Fresno and nearby neighborhoods like Malaga, Easton, and parts of Sanger. It’s one of the largest green spaces in the area, but for years it lacked the investment, safety features, and amenities that families deserve.

For a long time, residents made the best of what they had. They organized community cleanups. Neighbors showed up to public meetings. Families held events under limited shade. Children played on outdated equipment.

With this renovation, we’re investing back into the community that has poured so much into this space.

We believe that health starts in our neighborhoods, and that includes access to clean, safe, and vibrant parks. Parks promote physical activity, reduce stress, connect neighbors, and give children a safe place to grow up. That’s why this project is a core part of our vision for #OneHealthyFresno.

Community-Led from Day One

What makes this project even more meaningful is that every design decision was rooted in local input. From 2019 to 2021, we hosted dozens of community workshops, planning sessions, and surveys to collect feedback.

We heard clearly that residents wanted more shade, better lighting, accessible play structures, and a safer park overall. Seniors asked for fitness equipment. Families wanted picnic areas. Artists wanted a place to showcase their work. And nearly every resident talked about the importance of preserving the iconic rocket ship.

We took all of that – and more – and worked with our partners at WRT and Urban Diversity Design to develop a master plan that reflects what the people of Calwa envisioned.
Now, thanks to community input and our construction partners Stockbridge General Contracting and Provost & Pritchard Consulting, that vision is becoming reality.

What’s Next

In the coming months, the most visible phase of construction will begin.

The walking paths will begin taking shape. Shade structures and picnic areas will be installed. The playgrounds will be built and equipped with safe, modern play equipment. New lighting, landscaping, and drought-tolerant gardens will round out the park’s renovation.

And just a few months from now, we’ll begin planning the grand reopening celebration – an event we know the community is looking forward to as much as we are.

We want to thank the Calwa community for your ongoing support, patience, and trust. You’ve waited a long time for this, and we’re honored to help bring it to life.

Together, we’re building something that will last for generations. And we’re right on track.
To stay updated on the progress, follow us on social media and sign up for our newsletter. We’ll be sharing photos, milestones, and opportunities to get involved as we move toward the grand reopening in Summer 2026.