Youth United is a youth-led policy advocacy program in the YLI Merced office that focuses on social and racial justice. Youth United (YU) seeks to address and advocate for the improvement of current Merced Park conditions. YU will be participating in the development of a new city parks master plan that outlines current park needs and establishes long term goals. Merced Parks and Recreation is currently working with a third party consultant to assess and evaluate Merced parks. The Merced Parks Master Plan, also known as the Parks, Recreation, Open Spaces Plan (PROS Plan) will list goals, objectives, and policies for Merced Parks for years to come. 

Youth United is interested in both supporting the creation of park standards and advocating for sufficient funding to uphold these standards. Which is why YU plans to promote a park tax measure similar to Measure P in Fresno, which creates $ 38 million a year (for 30 years) for park improvements and maintenance. In order to help pass a park tax measure, Youth United will need full community support throughout this journey which includes but is not limited to attending city council meetings, signing petitions, spreading awareness, and potentially voting yes on the proposed park measure. Park improvements benefit everyone in the community because they create safe third spaces where families can share screen-free quality time. 

Below, you will find pieces from Youth United youth who share their experiences with only three of many parks in Merced: Flanagan, Joe Herb, and Merino Park. Youth describe current park conditions in detail and propose park improvements in light of the upcoming PROS plan which will be the guidelines by which the city of Merced prioritizes future park projects. 

Flanagan Park

Natalia Stewart (18yrs): When I first went to Flanagan Park, I didn’t really have high hopes for it. Like many Merced residents, I do not have high hopes for our parks. If they aren’t as big as McNamara Park or Applegate, they won’t have much to do. In the photos above there is a picture of a gutted water fountain at Flanagan Park. From my point of view I thought that was the most disappointing sight of all. The water fountain, a resource we all use whether it’s at our parks or school, is gutted like a fish. An important resource to benefit everyone who is thirsty or needs a quick refreshment on a hot day is gutted. Like many other items at this park it was destroyed. Top to bottom. Like the lights, the water fountain was violated for its parts to make a quick buck instead of supporting a community. 

When I first went to the park, I saw a lot of potential. A lot of open space that could be used and built on. The areas that already are established in the park like the playground and the basketball court are already very defiled. The playground was used as a canvas for graffiti and what looks to be knife marks. The basketball court on the other hand is still standing with a single basketball hoop that looks like it’s on its last leg and hasn’t been repaired since the 90’s. When you look down, you see a big piece of concrete that’s supposed to act as the floor for the court. It’s very cracked and seems to be pulling apart. It’s also marked with black circle lines. It looks as if someone used the court to do donut holes on the court. 

Not only does this park need immediate attention and investment to repair everything that has been neglected over the years, but it also needs investment in prevention measures. Merced should install cameras and hire more park staff to watch over the park. To prevent stealing and crimes and to keep people accountable and show that we really care about the park. Another way we can improve the park and show we care is by hiring a park ranger. A person who can just be there to keep the peace and people safe and make it more unlikely for people to steal and do potential crimes. Lastly, by making the park safer we encourage more people from the community to step outside and engage with other community members.

We need the community to come together as one, to advocate for the improvement and consistent maintenance of our local parks. For parks to be held up to the proper standards and for their resources and activities to stay shared, not vandalized and defiled. I hope that more community members recognize that improved parks are not just benefiting children, that they benefit everyone. I see older folks go for walks in the nicer parks as well as families hosting get togethers on the weekends. I know that Merced will create park rules or standards but without proper annual funding, these rules will never be enforced. We learned of what the city of Fresno did with Measure P and we would like to see something like this happen in Merced as well.

Ariana Smith (17yrs) When children imagine a park they want see colors, and lots of opportunities to express their imagination, when there’s bird feces on the light post and trash in the grass and bushes, it is discouraging to the kids who come to these parks to play, get out of the house,  go explore, or to let their imagination run wild.  Whatever the reason it may be, they should have a safe place in their community to enjoy their childhood and innocence. As far as I can see, Flannagan park does not facilitate any of those qualities that are needed to provide an enjoyable spot for family fun. If our community came together all as one we could keep our parks in good conditions to facilitate the childhoods of our youth. 

If one day I wanted to take my younger siblings to Flanagan park I would be very disappointed if I arrived and the first thing I was greeted with was swing set poles that are bent or even after running around you start getting thirsty. There will not be any water source accessible because it is completely torn out and vandalized, we would have to go home because there is no safe water to drink from.  I also noticed that the defacements  around the park have inappropriate words that are quite the opposite of what parents would be wanting their children to be growing up around. 

I remember when I was younger around the time I was learning how to read, we would go to the parks quite often. While I was playing I would read all of the things written on the structures and try to sound them out . I still remember some of the things I’ve read and they were definitely words and pictures or drawings that I should not have witnessed.  It introduces topics and words that parents may want to shelter their children from. When they bring them to a park which is supposed to be family friendly and expect their children to not be corrupted while they’re out having quality family time, which would cause a community to do the complete opposite of what it is meant to do. I believe it is the city’s job to protect our youth of all ages who go to these parks on a frequent basis. 

     I also noticed how the basketball hoops have no nets and look rusty and run down, which could be dangerous for a smaller child attempting to learn how to play basketball or other activities on the court. A couple of  the hoops are completely misshapen and in very bad condition, the concrete at the basketball courts are very cracked, lifted, and have chunks missing. All of these damages bring an unwelcoming feeling and encourage the community to stay away or to choose a different park.  

I was born here in Merced and have grown up here, I’ve moved around a lot and lived near many different parks. As the years have gone by, some parks around here have evolved a lot. For example I’ve lived right next to Applegate park for the majority of my life.  I’ve watched it grow from an old playground to the new one and I’ve seen a lot of the other upgrades. Since they re-did the park they added things like a merry go round, 2 play structures for different age groups , music instruments , new hockey court, and new bathrooms. I have watched the park come a long way and I think it’s important to compare the two to see what improvements could be made. A clear lack of attention our local government who refuse to see the potential benefits this park can give to the community.

Merino Park

Malikeye Serna (17yrs): Merino Park in Merced, California, would greatly benefit from the addition of more shade, significantly enhancing the experience for visitors. The intense California sun, especially during the summer months, can make it challenging for families and individuals to fully enjoy outdoor activities like spending time together, playing sports, or simply relaxing. From my own experiences visiting the park in summer, I’ve seen firsthand how uncomfortable it can be to stay for long periods without sufficient shade. On one visit, I found the park benches so hot that I had to leave earlier than planned. Adding more shaded areas—whether through trees, canopies, or other structures—would provide much-needed relief from the heat. This would encourage people to stay longer, enjoy the park more comfortably, and potentially increase participation in recreational activities, picnics, and community events. Such improvements would not only enhance the park’s appeal but also foster a stronger sense of community and promote healthier lifestyles.

Adrian Tejeda, (16yrs): In addition to providing more shade, Merino Park would also benefit from a thorough cleanup to create a more inviting environment. Litter and debris not only spoil the park’s natural beauty but can also pose safety hazards, particularly for children. A clean, well-maintained park makes the space more welcoming and encourages families to spend time there. It also instills a sense of pride in the community. Ongoing maintenance and cleanup efforts are essential for keeping the park safe and enjoyable. One way to maintain the park could be through organizing community clean-up events, where local volunteers or even community service participants come together to help. Community park rangers could also play a role in overseeing maintenance, or residents could simply make it a point to clean up after themselves. If these options aren’t feasible, a simple reminder for visitors to pick up after themselves can go a long way in keeping the park clean and inviting.

Having clean and safe parks saves lives. Right now the current leading cause of death for Merced county residents is cardiovascular disease and it is completely preventable. Cardiovascular disease and conditions like diabetes are caused by inactivity and unhealthy diets. My grandma has diabetes and we would love to see her go for walks because we want to have her with us for years to come. When my grandma comes to visit me, I want to spend quality time outside with her but it gets really hot in Merced and the lack of shade structures discourages us from wanting to leave the house and spend time at Merino Park. If the lack of shade stops my grandma from going to the park, I can only imagine how many other families are also missing out on the opportunity to exercise at their local park. By adding shade to parks like Merino we are creating the tools people need to benefit and live healthier and longer lives.

Joe Herb Park

Pedro Ruelas (16yrs): During my visits to Joe Herb Park, I’ve observed an increasing number of homeless individuals, some of whom appear to be struggling with substance abuse. This not only creates an hazardous environment but also affects the safety and enjoyment of children who come to play. By facilitating a supervised cleanup initiative, we can create a healthier park atmosphere, promote inclusivity, and ensure that the park remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone. The city of Merced can reallocate money from public safety to bring all parks to standard. Another way for the city of Merced to get funding for the parks is to apply for state and local grants. Well maintained parks are critical to public safety just as much or if not more than a full police force.

A maintained park encourages people to come outside and destress from difficulties in their lives in a healthy way. Having access to working basketball courts and equipment supports the mental wellbeing of historically marginalized communities who might not have easy access to mental health services. Many crimes have been committed by people with mental health issues that were not addressed. By investing in the parks we are providing tools for the community to support their mental health. This gives people things to do other than drugs and other unhealthy coping tools. 

Nate Harris (17yrs): Joe Herb Park would greatly benefit from more sports equipment like basketball courts and sport fields. Healthier park environments would encourage people and their children to participate in more physical activities. Canopies should be added to cover the un shaded areas around the park. Families don’t want to bring their kids to the park and only be able to stay for 30 minutes because the heat is overwhelming. We need more engaging programs to help the community out in stopping bad habits. I feel like our community needs more resources to be able to be active outside. My peers don’t go to the park because it’s often vandalized, trashed, and drug ridden. To enhance the cleanliness and preservation of our parks we should consider organizing paid cleanup opportunities, specifically for marginalized groups such as individuals experiencing homelessness and those with criminal records. By providing these individuals with meaningful work, we can not only empower them but also foster a sense of community. responsibility for our shared public spaces. 

Carlos Nava (19yrs): I think having a basketball court will help people because it will give people something to do instead of doing bad things like drugs and gang violence. If we fix the park more folks will have a good reason to go to the park and exercise. I would like to go to the park to play basketball with my family and friends but right now I do not feel safe enough in there to do so. Playing basketball is a way for me to destress from work, video games, and technology. Having access to a working and safe basketball court supports my mental health and wellbeing. I know that many of my friends also avoid the park because it is currently very poorly maintained.

Joe Duenes (17yrs): I lived in Mexico there were parks with different sections of free exercise equipment that my siblings and I loved to go use. These parks had machines like the chest press, aerial stroller, shoulder machine, and leg press. I enjoyed using the aerial stroller because it helped me work on my legs while I listened to music. We did not need to pay a gym membership to workout and get out of the house. Now that I live in Merced, I do not see anything like this in the local parks and I am unable to pay for a gym membership, let alone drive myself to the gym. So my siblings and I just stay inside. I do not workout as much as I used to and I miss the easy access to workout machines in the parks we used to go to in Mexico. I believe that more people would benefit from these park exercise machines that we used to have access to because I know I am not the only one who can not go to the gym. I see people from school stay less than half an hour at the parks nearby, either because the water fountains do not work, the bathrooms are out of order, or there isn’t much to do in general. 

Youth United

The Merced community deserves to have safe and well maintained parks. Youth United youth have seen what a difference a park measure makes through the recent results of Measure P in Fresno. Our youth are also aware that the City of Merced budget has been stretched thin with multiple competing priorities for the past few years. We believe a similar park tax measure in Merced can provide Merced Parks and Recreation with the funding necessary to update and maintain parks, from updating park equipment to building new shade structures. Youth United asks the Merced community to support a park tax measure with their votes in the coming years. Every child in our community deserves to experience a well cared for park.

“A Measure is not just for the Moment”