Tuolumne County To Seek Grant For Major Attraction

Standard, CA — Calling it a “big deal for Tuolumne County,” and a potential “major attraction,” the supervisors are hoping to receive up to $8-million for a community park in Standard.

It would be situated on Sierra Pacific Industries land that the company is allowing the county to use for public benefit as part of an earlier development agreement at the intersection of Standard Road and Tuolumne Road, across the street from Standard Park. There are 50 available acres.

The supervisors voted 5-0 to give county staff the greenlight to develop a conceptual master plan for the park. It will include spending $13,000 for an outside consultant, scheduling community input meetings, drawing up plans, and coming up with a cost analysis.

All five supervisors praised the idea. District Three representative Evan Royce said, “This is something to be excited about,” and it would be a “big deal for Tuolumne County.” Board Chair John Gray added, “This would be a win for everybody,” and a “major attraction that could put Tuolumne County on the map.”

Community meetings will come in December, and local schools will also be involved in an arts aspect of the project. The grant will be submitted in the summer of next year. It is an open slate for what could potentially be included at the park, and the details will be hashed out after receiving community input. It could include things like additional sports fields, playground equipment, trails, parking, etc.

The potential funding is via Proposition 68 which was approved by voters this past June.