McNamara Park

In the southern part of the sunny city of Merced lies McNamara Community Park—a modern space for recreation and sports covering about 3.5 hectares. This place is rightfully considered one of the most important community centers in the USA, offering visitors a harmonious blend of active leisure and peaceful relaxation in the shade of sprawling trees.

After a major $2.6 million renovation, the park was transformed: modern play zones and specialized sports areas were introduced. The highlight of the facility is the artificial turf soccer fields, which are drought-resistant—a feature particularly relevant to the California climate. Decorative wrought-iron fencing, designed based on sketches by local students, and a modern lighting system ensure both safety and a welcoming atmosphere.

Today, McNamara Park is more than just a green space; it is a fully-equipped multifunctional complex. It has everything needed for a comfortable family day out: from a swimming pool and a refreshing splash pad to cozy picnic pavilions with BBQ grills. Its integration into the city's network of bicycle routes makes it a convenient stop during city tours.

To find more information about events or to book picnic areas, you can contact the park administration directly. The main contact details are listed below:

In this park, everyone will find something to their liking, whether a professional athlete or a family with young children. Sports enthusiasts can test their skills on the basketball courts, baseball diamonds, or play soccer on one of three modern fields. For those who prefer more relaxed, traditional fun, there are special pits for playing horseshoes.

On hot days, the splash pad becomes the main attraction—an interactive fountain where children can have fun cooling off under jets of water. There is also an on-site swimming pool, which is extremely popular during the summer season. Toddlers will love the updated playground with safe equipment, while those seeking a quiet retreat can settle into the shaded areas under the tree canopies.

For those planning to spend the whole day here, excellent facilities for a picnic have been provided. The park features special shelters with tables and BBQ grills, perfect for an outdoor family lunch. The availability of drinking fountains, restrooms, and a snack stand makes your stay as comfortable and worry-free as possible.

Getting to this popular recreation spot in the southern part of the city is easy. The park is located at 1040 Canal St, practically in the heart of a residential area, making it easily accessible for both locals and visitors. If you are planning a trip by car, there is spacious parking on-site, and navigation systems find the location accurately by its coordinates.

For those who prefer eco-friendly ways to get around, the park is integrated into the city's extensive network of bikeways. This allows you to comfortably cycle here or walk from the central districts, enjoying the local scenery and crossing small city creeks along the way.

If you use public transportation, look for the Merced The Bus city buses. Stops are located along Canal St and at nearby intersections, just a couple of minutes' walk from the entrance to the recreation area. From the nearby Merced Regional Airport (MCE), a taxi or rental car ride will take no more than 10–15 minutes.

The history of this site spans about 70 years, during which the park has transformed from a neglected wasteland into a modern community hub. Just fifteen years ago, the situation was different: due to a lack of infrastructure and safety concerns, local sports teams tried to avoid training here. However, city authorities decided on a large-scale transformation of the space.

In the 2010s, a revitalization project costing over $2.6 million was launched, funded by the state of California. The renovation process was not without its challenges: during the construction of the new soccer fields, soil subsidence occurred, causing delays and temporarily restricting access to certain areas. Nevertheless, the persistence of the community and local authorities allowed the project to be successfully completed.

The grand reopening of the renovated park was a true celebration for residents. Local schoolchildren played a special role in designing the space: they created the design for the decorative wrought-iron fencing that now surrounds the perimeter. Today, this site is a prime example of how investment in urban environments can completely change the atmosphere of a neighborhood and provide a safe place for youth to grow.

When planning a visit, it is worth allowing 2–4 hours to enjoy all the amenities at a leisurely pace. If your goal is a simple walk to see the grounds, one hour will be quite enough. However, the presence of water attractions and sports fields usually extends the stay.

For families with children, the visit can easily stretch to half a day, especially during the summer when the pool and splash pad are open. You should also factor in time for a possible picnic or watching a match by local soccer teams, who frequently hold their training sessions and league games here.

The park is open to visitors daily, allowing you to plan a visit for any convenient day of the week. Standard operating hours are from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Monday through Sunday.

Important note: The operating hours for the swimming pool, splash pad, and recreation hall may follow their own seasonal schedules. Before your trip, it is recommended to check the current hours for these specific facilities on the official city website or by phone to ensure your visit is as productive as possible.

A visit to the park can easily be combined with exploring other interesting places in the area. The southern and central parts of the city are rich in historical monuments and architectural sites that offer a deeper insight into the region's cultural heritage.