The City of Lathrop was hoping that the State of California would pick up the tab for nearly $2 million in improvements to a park honoring the first Filipino mayor in the United States.

And while that opportunity is still on the table, the City of Lathrop will be moving forward with plans to upgrade Sangalang Park – named after former mayor Apolinar Sangalang – and provide much-needed recreational opportunities for residents on the east side of I-5.

Earlier this month the Lathrop City Council approved a proposal that will replacing the aging play structure at the park, install a second restroom, install a waterplay splashpad, install a pair of tennis courts, and construct a monument honoring Sangalang for his contributions not just to Lathrop but the United States of America.

Sangalang, who in 1993 became the first mayor in America that was born in the Philippines, was a United States Navy veteran that served in World War II and was captured by the Japanese – all of which will be detailed in the historical marker that will include lighted American and POW flags that will be installed as a part of the overhaul.

According to Lathrop mayor Sonny Dhaliwal, the new tennis courts will be the first constructed east of I-5 and the new play structure will replace the aging equipment that was installed when the park was first constructed.

With a total price tag of just over $1.84 million, Dhaliwal said that the city will continue its efforts to secure grant funding for the park that would cut down on the city’s share of the costs but noted that they’re moving forward with the plans using funds available from Measure C – Lathrop’s one-cent sales tax increase approved by voters in 2012 for essential city services.

“The city is always looking for grant funding and that would replace a lot of the city’s money if it gets approved,” Dhaliwal said of a pending application with the State of California through the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Grant program. “We’re always looking for funding opportunities at the state and federal level and could up being reimbursed for the money that we spend.

“But it’s going to be a great park for the community – the park is going to be awesome.”

As part of the report city staff prepared for the council five separate options, priced independently, were provided council had the option to choose as many as they thought were appropriate.

Replacing the play structure and expanding rubberized surfaces of the park will cost $468,000, while a second restroom will cost $292,900. The waterplay splashpad that was approved will run $445,300, while two tennis courts that will be located in the middle of the park will cost $369,900. The historical marker honoring Sangalang’s military and community service will cost $35,500, and a 15 percent contingency of $240,240 will bring the total of the playground upgrades to $1,841,840.

Now that the project has been approved staff will move forward with bids for what the council requested and bring those bids back for formal awarding before a contract will be executed with the contractor capable of completing the work.

To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.