The newly established Esperanza Park, spanning 7.52 acres in Cathedral City and previously known as Dream Homes Park, is a direct result of funding made possible through the passage of California Proposition 68, which allocated $725 million to expand access to parks in underserved rural and desert communities. The City selected Verde Design to develop a conceptual design for the new park, strategically located in an area identified as critically disadvantaged and lacking adequate recreational facilities. In collaboration with City officials, we facilitated a series of community-based planning workshops, inviting residents to contribute their insights and preferences from the very beginning of the design process. These workshops attracted a diverse array of stakeholders, ensuring that the voices of the community were heard and valued. Through this inclusive approach, residents were able to articulate the amenities that would best serve their neighborhood, allowing us to effectively incorporate their vision into the final design concept plan for the park.
Esperanza Park is characterized by its elongated, kite-like shape, which creates a distinctive perimeter. The park’s width varies significantly, measuring just five feet at its narrowest points and expanding to approximately two hundred twenty feet at its center. Community members played a crucial role in selecting the park’s programs and amenities, which were carefully organized to align with the park’s linear design. This strategic arrangement optimizes the available space and includes a diverse range of features such as a multi-use natural grass area, a futsal court, a central plaza, restroom facilities, two covered play areas, fitness stations, two basketball courts, a dog park, picnic shelters, picnic tables, walkways, benches, and two designated parking areas.
On December 8, 2021, the California State Parks awarded the City of Cathedral City a substantial grant of $8,498,000 as part of Round 4 of the Statewide Park Program (SPP), marking a significant step towards the realization of a long-anticipated park project. To facilitate this endeavor, the City retained Verde Design, and our active involvement during the pre-grant application phase played a crucial role in refining the park’s final design. This early collaboration ensured that the development remained true to the original vision supported by the community, resulting in plans that reflected the aspirations of local residents. After a comprehensive review and approval of the park’s design plans and specifications by the City, these finalized documents were compiled into a detailed bid package and publicly advertised. Following a competitive bidding process, the City Council awarded the construction contract, leading to an official groundbreaking ceremony in April 2024, with construction completed by the following spring. The park’s opening was celebrated with immense joy, symbolizing a decade of collaboration between the City and its residents, and underscoring the successful transformation of their collective vision into a tangible reality.
American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) California 2026 Commendation Award
American Public Works Association (APWA) 2025 Project of Merit, Coachella Valley Chapter
