By Jean Goodrich
Guadiana Park, located in the barrio of Guadiana just off Ancha de SanAntonio across from the Mercado Sano between Calle Guadiana and Calle Potranca, has two fountains and many benches where visitors can sit, watch the birds and meet up with friends. Children love to play around the fountains, and play hide and seek on the many winding paths. The park has a long history of providing a safe place for families. In the park’s early days, huge cement animals were in the park for the kids to play on.
The park has a butterfly garden and a huge variety of trees and plants. A committee of residents oversees the management of the park, along with the City. Most maintenance is paid by donations. There are paths with engraved memorial stones, and they can be purchased in two sizes $300 and $500 from Doug Craig. His contact information is provided at the park. The stones income pays for the additional gardeners and new plants in the park.
A full-scale renovation of the park began about 10 years ago, spearheaded by Bob Brown, Donna and Bud Phillips, Howard Haynes and Signe Hammer. The park was covered in weeds, broken concrete and bricks and was not the lovely garden area it is now. Today a steering committee of residents work hard to maintain a beautiful and clean park for the community.
Guadiana Park is not a Dog Park
Many people in the neighborhood walk their dogs in Guadiana Park, but it is NOT a dog park. There is a strict leash law which is important to follow because many older people walk small dogs in the park, and they can easily be injured if dogs are running loose and playing unrestrained. Another reason dogs must be leashed is because many young children play in the park and they could be at risk if dogs are loose. Unleashed dogs can be a danger to everyone. They also destroy the park’s groundcover and other plants. There is also a “pick up your poop” requirement for everyone’s safety. Receptacles are provided in the park.There is a need for a city dog park and the current administration has indicated that they are interested in providing a dog park for SanMiguel.
Anyone interested in pursuing this, please contact Jean Goodrich at bjorngood@yahoo.com.
