Supervisor John Phillip speaks at Aromas Community Park on Saturday. —contributed photo

AROMAS—Two decades ago, a fundraising drive was held to install dedication bricks at Aromas Community Park.

However, even after a number of community members had already donated to the effort, the project came to an abrupt halt.

“It was kind of sad, and no one knew what to do,” said Rose DuMond, board member of the Aromas Community Center Foundation (ACCF). “The money was eventually spent on infrastructure needs.”

This week, a monument was finally installed at the park, honoring the original donors and those who have continued to support the project. On Saturday, a ceremony was held recognizing supporters and unveiling the new dedication tiles.

“We wanted to honor our donors, make good on all of this,” DuMond said. “To look back on the past 20 years and thank everyone who has supported the park. Many of them are still living in this community.”

When DuMond joined ACCF two years ago, the idea was pitched to reinstate the project. They teamed up with Aromas Hills Artisans (AHA), a nonprofit aiming to promote local artists, who were interested in creating something for the park.

“We sat down, came up with ideas of what it could become,” DuMond said. “We needed to generate funding again. Our budget was small.”

ACCF and AHA were able to connect with Aromas-based company Fireclay Tile, who ended up donating all of the tiles for the project.

“They so graciously donated all of these gorgeous, handmade tiles,” DuMond said. “We are so thankful.”

The monument is just one of many recent improvements that have been made at Aromas Community Park. In the last five years, they have established a walking trail, a dog park and a new multi-purpose field.

DuMond said another new grant will allow the foundation to continue their work, including constructing more shade structures and an event pavilion. Other possibilities include additional picnic tables, a playground structure, fountains, and added security features.

“We want this park to be a welcoming, comfortable and safe place for everyone,” she said.

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Reporter Johanna Miller grew up in Watsonville, attending local public schools and Cabrillo College before transferring to Pacific University Oregon to study Literature. She covers arts and culture, business, nonprofits and agriculture.

1 COMMENT

  1. great news for Aromas. and badly needed facilities for outdoor events. and , I hope , enough brush clearing in the vicinity so no wildfires will threaten it in the future.

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