West Sacramento, CA (MPG) - A new park under construction in the Sycamore neighborhood named after West Sacramento sports legend Joseph (Joey) Lopes should be complete by the end of the year. The four acre site is parallel to Sycamore Avenue, from West Capitol Avenue south to Evergreen Avenue. Park improvements include play equipment, lighting, benches, picnic tables, drinking fountains, a shade shelter, half-court basketball, and a parking area. The park’s funding was provided by a state grant award of $4.1 million.

The late Mr. Lopes qualified for the 1948 U.S. Olympics boxing team as an alternate before going on to contend for the World Lightweight title three times. In 1955, he was named Athlete of the Year by the Sacramento Union. In retirement, Mr. Lopes managed the careers of several boxers. He also served as president and vice president of the West Sacramento Sanitary District and was a member of the West Sacramento Optimist Club. He was also an organizer of the West Sacramento Babe Ruth Baseball League.

The Joey Lopes Park is scheduled for completion by December 28^th, 2015. In addition to the park’s construction, the organization YoloArts is seeking artists or art groups to provide proposals for a public art project to be installed at Joey Lopes Park. For more information, visit YoloArts at yoloarts.org.

Source: West Sacramento City iLights