Soccer field in Oasis opens to the delight of local residents
Desert Recreation District (DRD) is opening a new soccer field in the unincorporated community of Oasis and the public is invited to come celebrate. On Thursday, September 8, 2016, DRD will host a grand opening event beginning at 6 p.m. during which recognition to those whose hard work contributed to reaching this milestone will be acknowledged, refreshments will be served, and play will begin.
The soccer field is located at 88-775 Avenue 76 (between Pierce and Harrison streets) in Oasis. The former elementary school site was purchased by DRD from the Coachella Valley Unified School District to build a 15-acre community park. This is the first and only public park in the community of Oasis. The soccer field is a temporary measure to provide immediate access to the number one requested activity in the Oasis community, soccer. Other amenities that will round out the future park will be planned by the community over the coming months. People can sign up for the Community Design Team as well as register for the Fall season of the new East Valley Soccer League while at the grand opening.
Support from the community has been very strong, and as one resident of the area, Pastor Miguel Martinez stated last Fall, “we are thrilled”. Pastor Martinez went on to say that when communities do not have activities for the younger members, it is unhealthy for everyone as children are more likely to get into trouble, have medical problems, and not feel safe, among other issues. Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC), whose efforts to bring people together to strengthen families and improve communities, has also lent its support to DRD.
The project will be completed in phases based on community input to determine the priority facilities to be included by the time the project is completed. DRD is still in the process of securing funding for the complete build-out of the project. The Desert Recreation Foundation, our 501(c)3 supporting charity, is actively seeking grants and private donations to aid in the completion of this project. Please call Kevin Kalman at (760)347-3484 if you would like to get involved to help raise funds or to make a tax deductible donation to this project.
For more information on Desert Recreation District programs and activities, check out the website at: MyRecreationDistrict.com or pick up a local Activities Guide at DRD Community Centers in Palm Desert, Thousand Palms, Bermuda Dunes, La Quinta, Indio, Indio Hills, Coachella, Mecca, Thermal and North Shore or at DRD’s Administrative office in Indio.
