Manteca is continuing to ditch the cookie cutter approach to neighborhood parks.
And in the case of an envisioned 3.75 acre park for 310 proposed homes on the northwest corner of the future intersection of the Raymus Parkway and Atherton Drive in southeast Manteca, it will include something for those that enjoy watching hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees at work and the fruits of their labors — a pollination garden.
As such, it will highlight the importance of pollinator species in California.
The native pollinator garden located adjacent to the sports court will provide a large native shade tree in the center, benches, and a biodiverse planting scheme.
The planting will allow flowers throughout the year that provide food and habitat for native pollinator species such as hummingbirds, monarch and western tiger swallowtail butterflies, western bumblebees, Valley carpenter bees, and mason bees.
Nearby play areas will include flowers, bees, and butterflies, along with related color schemes to make them” interesting and inviting.”
Turf grass will be utilized in recreation areas and for connectivity and accessibility.
To add interest, a mound will be included in one of the turf grass areas. Any planting areas that do not provide sufficient space for activity will be planted with shrubs, ornamental grasses, and groundcovers.
Plants will be chosen and properly located so that sight lines remain open and clear and do not provide places of concealment.
Other aspects of the park include:
*a tots playground and a children’s playground adjacent to a pair of 1,000-square-foor picnic shelters.
*an irrigation well to avoid using expensive potable drinking water to irrigate the landscaping.
*A drinking fountain.
*a soccer field in the storm retention basin. It will be large enough to serve as an Under 12 field or two fields for younger players.
*a walking path encircling the water treatment pond.
The water treatment pond is to meet state mandates that storm runoff from city streets and such that ultimately makes its way to the San Joaquin River is cleansed somewhat naturally by various vegetation that is panted.
The park plans are being reviewed Thursday, Oct. 9, when the Parks & Recreation Commission meets at 6 p.m. in the council chambers at the Civic Center, 1001 W. Center St.
To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com
