On Friday, January 14, the city erected fences around El Barrio Park at 400 Claremont Blvd., effectively launching their effort to improve the beloved city park. The fences will remain in place until around mid-May, when the project is expected to be completed.

Plans for the park include a new pedestrian walkway, safety lighting, landscaping, and installation of additional picnic tables, benches, and trash receptacles, according to the city. The project is fully funded through an agreement with Claremont McKenna College.

Restrooms and playground area of El Barrio Park will be open during construction, however the basketball courts will be closed. The nearest alternate basketball courts are located at Memorial Park, 840 N. Indian Hill Blvd., and Blaisdell Park, 440 S. College Ave., according to the city.

“We urge residents and park users to use the other Claremont parks while the improvements at El Barrio Park are happening,” according to the city.

For additional information, contact community services at (909) 399-5431 or Michelle Barlow of Claremont McKenna College’s facilities department at (909) 607-8065.

To read the city’s post about the park’s improvement, visit www.ci.claremont.ca.us/Home/Components/News/News/3232/18.