Council will discuss the future of the Downtown Morning Market, regional trail connections and several city service agreements during its May 19 meeting.
Newsom seeks tighter spending despite legislative push to preserve education and healthcare funding
The 84th season of the Great Y Circus, themed “Saturday Morning Cartoons,” featured familiar favorites for audiences young and old, with classic cartoons like “The Pink Panther” and “The Jetsons” alongside newer additions like “Kung Fu Panda,” “Gravity Falls” and “Pokemon.”
Rep. Aguilar secures federal funding for Texonia Park upgrades to improve safety, accessibility in Redlands neighborhood park
REDLANDS, Calif. — A planned overhaul of Texonia Park will focus on accessibility and inclusive design after U.S. Rep. Pete Aguilar secured $1 million in federal funding for the project, officials announced Monday.
The funding, secured through the congressional Community Project Funding process, will support a range of upgrades, including new parking, playground improvements and expanded amenities.
City officials said planned renovations include construction of an off-street parking lot, an inclusive playground designed for children of all abilities, new restroom facilities, improved lighting, walking paths, sports fields and updated picnic and group gathering areas.
“Whether it’s on the playground, the soccer field, or the jogging path, Inland Empire families need a safe and fun place to spend time outdoors and enjoy our beautiful state,” Aguilar said. “I’m proud to deliver this funding for Redlands to upgrade Texonia Park’s amenities and ensure that people in our community can enjoy them for years to come.”
Redlands Mayor Mario Saucedo said the funding will help advance a long-standing priority for the city, including development of an accessible playground.
“The addition of $1 million from the congressional Community Project Funding, thanks to the efforts of Congressman Aguilar’s office, will go towards the development of a new inclusive playground, that will provide a space designed for children of all abilities, including those with physical, sensory or intellectual disabilities, to play, explore and interact,” Saucedo said.
Saucedo noted the project was originally championed by Aguilar during his tenure on the Redlands City Council from 2006 to 2014.
Efforts to renovate Texonia Park have been underway for several years, with recent federal funding expected to help bring long-discussed improvements to fruition.
In October 2023, the city of Redlands hired Higginson Architects Inc. to prepare design plans for the park’s renovation project, approving a contract not to exceed $149,500.
In June 2025, the city hosted a community event at Texonia Park to gather public input on the future design.
Residents who responded to the city’s social media outreach emphasized accessibility and inclusive design, calling for playground equipment and surfaces that accommodate children of all abilities. Many specifically requested wheelchair-accessible features, rubberized or ramp-friendly ground surfaces instead of wood chips or sand, and spaces designed for children to play together regardless of physical or developmental differences.
A splash pad or water play feature was the most frequently requested addition, with multiple residents noting the need for affordable ways for families to cool off during hot summer months.
Other suggestions included increased shade, improved safety measures such as security cameras, accessible walking paths, fitness equipment, and amenities like a dog park and pickleball courts.
Several commenters also stressed the importance of involving families of children with disabilities in the design process to ensure the park is not only accessible, but fully inclusive.
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