On Tuesday, July 21, I had the pleasure of attending the ribbon cutting ceremony for the grand re-opening of one of Bellflower’s oldest parks, the H. Byrum Zinn Community Park and Trail. Onward Engineering had been invited due to our involvement providing full-service construction inspection on the project. Funded through supervisor Don Knabe, this $200,000 project was absolutely breathtaking.
Mayor Larson opened the event, talking about how he is making it his goal in his term to help beautify Bellflower and bring it back to life.
His councilmembers were standing right by his side as he cut the ribbon and welcomed the newly revamped park into the neighborhood. As I watched them cut the ribbon, I noticed a sense of pride in the faces of those involved in the project. I felt the anxiousness that the kids has as they sat waiting to run on the grass. I also noticed the smiles on the parents as they took out their cameras to record this new memory.
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Because it was my first event I have ever attended for Onward Engineering, I had no idea what to expect!
I was floored when I saw how many community members, organizations, and kids were there to support the re-opening of this park. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a jealous of the little girls with their rollerblades, about to take-off down the newly slated path. I wish I had that much energy. I felt honored to have been part of such a momentous and joyous occasion in Bellflower. It made me realize how beneficial and beautiful public works improvements can be. I am eager to see what the city of Bellflower accomplishes in the future!
Now, a little about the project.
Byrum Zinn was an active member of the community and he believed that “parks make life better.” The park is named after him. The scope of work included demolition, clearing and grubbing, earthwork, and rough grading of over approximately 12,655 square feet. The project also encompassed constructing 3,714 linear feet of mow curb, installing a monument sign and chain link fence. Construction added a pedestrian path and flooring surface at the fitness and bench areas. Located in a residential area off of Foster Avenue, the trail runs through more than 2 ½ acres, and passes by new benches, and lush landscaping.