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Tracy opens Sam Matthews Park with ribbon-cutting; family and local officials attend
Summary
City and county officials, the park developer and the Matthews family gathered to dedicate Sam Matthews Park in Tracy. Officials highlighted the park’s 2.7-acre design, shaded playground and community legacy during brief remarks and presented recognition certificates.
Tracy officials, developers and the Matthews family formally opened Sam Matthews Park at a ribbon-cutting ceremony that celebrated the late local journalist’s ties to the community and unveiled a new neighborhood amenity.
Brian McDonald, the city’s parks, recreation and community services director, emceed the event and introduced Mayor Dan Areola, county and city representatives, developer partners and the Matthews family. “Naming this park in his honor ensures that Sam’s legacy continues not just in print, but in a place where families gather,” Mayor Dan Areola said, calling Matthews a link to Tracy’s history.
The city and visiting officials presented certificates of recognition on behalf of federal and state legislators. Catalina Rico, speaking as a representative from a state senator’s office, and Samantha Johnson, district representative for Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom, read recognition certificates congratulating the city and the Matthews family.
Richard Joaquin, assistant director of parks, recreation and community services, gave a short description of the park’s features, saying it is “an approximately 2.7-acre neighborhood park” with a hot-air-balloon–themed playground, substantial shade structures, a large shaded picnic area with barbecues, a plexi-paved full basketball court and two open lawn areas designed for flexible uses. He said the design emphasized shaded play so the space could be used year-round.
John Palmer of Integral Communities, the park’s master developer, thanked the city council, parks commission and staff and described the park’s delivery as a partnership with Lennar Homes, Green Valley Construction and the design team. He noted that the park-naming process used public nominations and review by city staff, the parks commission and city council.
Laurie Matthews, Sam Matthews’s daughter, spoke for the family, saying that seeing “the name Sam Matthews Park carved into the sign is a monument to my family, and I will cherish it forever.” She described her father’s longtime presence at local parks and said the playground’s balloon theme felt like a fitting tribute.
The ceremony concluded with the Matthews family, elected officials and staff assembling for the official ribbon cutting and photo opportunities. The park is now open to the public.
