Thermal, CA – The County of Imperial, in partnership with the Salton Community Services District and the Imperial County Air Pollution Control District, celebrated the completion of the Desert Shores Soccer Park Phase II Urban Greening Project with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Desert Shores Community Park.
The project represents a $250,000 investment in the creation and enhancement of approximately 25,557 square feet of green space, providing new opportunities for community recreation, engagement, and environmental improvements in the Desert Shores and Salton City area.
Imperial County Supervisor Ryan Kelley welcomed residents and community partners to the ceremony and spent time engaging with community members and families throughout the event. The celebration brought residents, community partners, and local leaders together to recognize a project centered on collaboration, recreation, and continued investment in the community.
The ceremony also included remarks from Salton Community Services District General Manager Emmanuel Ramos; community members Graciela Mendivil Ramos and Carlene Ness; and Imperial County Air Pollution Control Officer Belen Leon-Lopez.
“This project is a great example of what can be accomplished when agencies and the community work together toward a shared goal,” said Belen Leon-Lopez, Imperial County Air Pollution Control Officer. “Creating and enhancing green spaces not only supports our environmental goals, but also provides families with a welcoming space to gather, connect, and enjoy their community.”
The Desert Shores Soccer Park Phase II Urban Greening Project is designed to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions through carbon sequestration while expanding green space and creating a safer, more welcoming environment for local families.
Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, the Salton Community Services District hosted a community event where residents and families gathered to celebrate the newly improved space.
The completion of the project highlights the ongoing collaboration between Imperial County, the Imperial County Air Pollution Control District, the Salton Community Services District, and the residents who continue to advocate for investments and improvements in their community.
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