The temperature Monday morning at the groundbreaking for Dolores Huerta Park — high 80s — nearly matched the age of its namesake. But a little sunshine has never stopped the civil rights and labor leader.

“I know it’s really hot out there, but we know that today there are farmworkers out there right now that are working out there to feed the nation. So I think we could take the heat for a little while, right?” the nonagenarian said.

The west Fresno park, which is expected to be completed by August 2026, is not the first structure named in Huerta’s honor. There are at least three schools in San Francisco, San Jose and Lennox. But, Huerta remained humble.

“I’m a little overwhelmed. I just want to thank you so much. I know that this was in the works and in the making, but still I have to just say I never expected anything like this — never in a million years,” Huerta said.

A Hero to Many

Huerta remains a hero to many. One woman shouted that Huerta is an inspiration. Another asked for an autograph.

She is also an inspiration for former Fresno City Councilmember and current state Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria, who helped organize the park.

“Honoring a woman whose lifelong work for justice, dignity and empowerment perfectly aligns with the spirit of this neighborhood,” Soria said.

Soria’s successor on the city council, Annalisa Perea, agreed.

“Her rallying cry, Sí se puede, reminds us that change is always possible when people come together and demand better. And this park embodies that very spirit,” Perea said.

Several Amenities at New Park

Dolores Huerta Park is now just dirt, with earthmovers ready to go. When completed, the 4.5 acre space will feature futsal and pickleball courts, dog parks, a splash pad, and an EV charging station in the parking lot. The city will spend $12 million on the park, $8.5 million from a Proposition 68 grant. Measure P — the dedicated city sales tax for parks — will not be used.

Mayor Jerry Dyer and Perea said the investments also include road improvements in the neighborhood.

Perea said the dividing line of rich versus poor in Fresno used to be a north/south divide. Now, she said, it is east or west of Highway 99 — with the west being “forgotten.”

“West of Highway 99 is no longer forgotten,” Perea said.

Huerta looks forward to youth and families enjoying the park.

“This is the outcome of all of organizing because then one day we get these good representatives elected, then this is what the results are. The result is having a park like this one,” Huerta said.