Rodgers-Smith Park

Rodgers-Smith Park is a 4.5 acre park located at 738 Grayson Road on Pleasant Hill, California, 94523. He is a member of the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District (Rec & Park). It's a special district, an independent government agency, separate from Pleasant Hill City and other government agencies. Rec & Park shall be governed by the State of California Public Resources Code and an elected Board of Directors, which shall establish district policies. Citizens who wanted recreation and park facilities in their neighborhood were founded in Rec & Park in 1951. Today, Rec & Park provides vast areas, services , open space, recreation programs and events in the district, and manages them in the city. All of the Rec & Park operations are led by Michelle Lacy, General Manager.

 

They were planning to be pioneers in providing WOW! Experience every day. The group serves more than 40,000 people in the community, an area approximately 20% larger than that of the City of Pleasant Hill, and affects approximately 100,000 or more people who participate in programs, visit district facilities or volunteer each year.

 

Management promotes active , healthy lifestyles for all ages, including preschool, youth, adolescent adults and seniors. They encourage self-enrichment and personal development by offering over 2,300 classes, programs and activities. They preserve and enhance community economic value by providing diverse programs, well-maintained neighborhoods and community parks, trails and open space to attract and retain residents, businesses and visitors.

 

Rodgers-Smith Park is great for company picnics, family gatherings and barbecues. The park offers a picnic area with barbecue, softball / sports field, sand volleyball court, surface basketball court, lighted bocce courts that require a reservation. What's more amazing is that the historic Rodgers Ranch is just around the corner with great community activities, a museum and more.

 

The history of the Rodgers Ranch which is nearby the park is when Patrick and Mary Ann Rodgers moved with their children from the gold fields of California to the 149-acre ranch in Contra Costa County in 1868 . They grew wheat and other crops there, were active in community affairs, supported their church, and promoted public education. Patrick Rodgers was killed in 1891. Seventeen years later, when the property was divided among the heirs, Alice and James Rodgers received the 38-acre section containing the house and the barn, both of which were built in the 1860s.

 

In 1915, the ranch was sold to Rollo Hough, a partner in the Luther Burbank Company, to become a demonstration farm, but it never happened because of financial difficulties. A few years later, the property was reduced to 18 acres and remained that size until the area had developed.

 

The ranch was sold to Dr. and Mrs. Kaho Daily in 1942, who maintained it as a working ranch until 1978. The development of single-family homes was approved in 1987. At that time , members of the Pleasant Hill Historical Society recommended saving the buildings and developing a heritage park.

 

Truly, Rodgers-Smith Park is the best option for outdoor family gatherings, relaxation, reading books, or just a walk.