Sweetwater will receive a $53,700 grant for improvements at Ronselli Park and the Jorge Mas Canosa Youth Center.
BY JOSE CASSOLA
jcassola@MiamiHerald.com
The city of Sweetwater has secured a $53,700 grant through the Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond Program.

At their meeting Monday, city commissioners approved spending the money on improvements to Ronselli Park and the Jorge Mas Canosa Youth Center, 250 SW 114th Ave.

Over the last year, the park and center has undergone several renovations using money from the city's General Obligation Bond funds.

They have included tile installations, a fence and lighting for the racquetball courts, resurfacing of the courts, a lightning protection system, new awnings and tile replacements for restrooms at the youth center, the replacement of asphalt in areas around the baseball field and repair and replacement of light fixtures.

Parks director Luis Quintero said the new funds will be used for landscaping work and the installation of fans and gutters, among other improvements. He credits grants administrator Robert Herrada for securing the money.

``Robert has done a great job,'' Quintero said. ``This is money that is much needed. We've worked really hard on the park, and it's paid off.''

Quintero said enrollment in the city's youth programs have tripled since improvements at the park and center began last year. He said there are close to 300 kids enrolled.

The city also has more offerings, including baseball, basketball, karate and dance.

``We have enough kids now that we can compete against other local leagues,'' Quintero said. ``We couldn't do that before.''