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Merced outlines CP42, playgrounds and zoo renovations, eyes fall plaza opening
Summary
Parks Director Chris Jensen updated the commission on the CP42 regional sports park (about $10 million invested to date), inclusive playground installs, Merced Applegate Zoo renovation focused on a new black bear exhibit, and active construction at Bob Hart Square with a late‑October/early‑November target.
City staff reported multiple capital projects in construction or design across Merced.
Chris Jensen said the city has invested about $10 million to develop CP42, a community sports park south of Mission and Tyler, and formed a joint powers authority with the Merced High School District, Merced County and the Merced County Office of Education to administer the two‑site project. Jensen said the southern portion is under construction now and staff are vetting contractors and assessing the cost of additional fields, restrooms and parking to shift the project toward a regional draw.
Rendering and accessibility details were presented for CP42’s playground: blue pour‑in‑place surfacing for ADA access, full‑body supportive rockers and swings, shade sails, musical instruments and a 50‑by‑50‑by‑20‑foot spider‑web climbing structure the department expects to fit roughly 100 children. Jensen said the playground equipment would be installed in the coming weeks and CP42’s full public opening is planned for spring 2026.
At Merced Applegate Zoo, Jensen described a renovation emphasizing a more spacious black bear exhibit with glass viewing panels, a plunge pool, two dens and an internal "bear squeeze" to allow safer transport during an emergency. He recounted the department’s evacuation experience during a prior flood and said the redesign aims to improve animal welfare and visitor viewing.
Downtown, Jensen said Bob Hart Square is being converted from a small square to a larger plaza with seating, planters and a roughly 12‑by‑20 foot stage to support performances and tie into the downtown corridor. Construction is active and city staff set a tentative completion date of late October or early November while coordinating with parade and event organizers.
Jensen also said the city secured a $78,000 California Arts and Parks grant to fund a monument at General Vang Pow Park and that phase‑one designs are nearly complete with construction slated to begin this winter for a spring 2026 opening of the playground.
Commissioners asked about zoo signage and vandalism; Jensen said police recovered an original sign and that new lighting and cameras have been added to deter theft and vandalism.
