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Council approves concept to build community stage at Hinojosa Park honoring Miguel Miranda and Rosendo “Rusty” Garcia
Summary
A community-led effort to build a new stage and dance floor at Hinojosa Park received council approval in concept. Organizers will pursue fundraising, design and permits and return with a plan; the city will retain ownership of the facility once completed.
The Brawley City Council voted Sept. 2 to approve in concept a community-led project to build a permanent stage and dance floor at Hinojosa Park in honor of community activists Miguel Miranda and Rosendo “Rusty” Garcia.
Eric Reyes, the project lead and longtime resident, described the group’s history and fundraising efforts. Reyes said the council had previously accepted the project concept in 2017 and that the community has pledged funds and volunteer labor; he asked the council to approve the concept again so funders will move forward. “We want to give a gift to our community in a park that we love,” Reyes said.
Reyes outlined a phased plan: construct the stage and dance floor first, and add a roof/cover and other amenities later. He said the project would follow all city, building and ADA requirements, and that the stage would be donated to and owned by the City of Brawley once complete. He estimated the full project could exceed $100,000 in today’s prices, with the community seeking a mix of private donors, foundation grants and volunteer labor. He said the project committee has commitments in hand and a fiscal sponsor/account to hold funds.
Hector Mesa, a representative of IBEW Local 569 and the Imperial County Building Trades Council, confirmed trades volunteers would assist and emphasized the group intended to donate labor where allowable without using city funds.
Council members asked about neighborhood concerns and project details. Reyes said he had surveyed neighbors and found about 87% support with concerns on parking, restroom conditions, decibel levels and event cut-off times; he said the committee would work on those issues and incorporate sound mitigation and time limits. Council members requested a timeline, proof-of-funds or restricted account information for donors, and a formal design to return to the council for final approval.
Mayor Reveler moved to approve the concept. The motion was seconded and passed by voice vote; the council did not take a final design or funding action at this meeting. City staff and the project committee will pursue permitting, fundraising and a return presentation with design and a timeline for council approval of final plans.
