Mendota Proposes $10 Million Community Center at Rojas-Pierce Park, Including $2 Million Federal Allocation

MENDOTA, Fresno County — October 27, 2026. A proposed community center at Rojas-Pierce Park could bring a new year-round recreation, learning and gathering facility to Mendota. The city’s September 16 federal environmental notice describes a planned 21,012-square-foot building with an approximate total project cost of $10 million.

What the proposed community center would include

The project site is the existing Rojas-Pierce Park near Sorensen Avenue and Smoot Avenue. The published design scope includes an indoor basketball court, fitness studio, classrooms, restrooms, bleachers, kitchen/concessions areas, storage and office space. Outside the building, the plan calls for parking improvements, an inclusive playground, community garden and outdoor fitness court.

How financing is described

The city identifies $2 million in Economic Development Initiative — Community Project Funding administered by HUD, under grant number B-26-CP-CA-0199, in support of an approximately $10 million plan. The notice concerns an application to release funds and environmental compliance. The full capital budget and final amount available from every funding source must be verified separately. It would be wrong to describe the entire $10 million project as already paid for by a $2 million federal award.

The city posted an invitation for construction bids earlier in 2026. Competitive bidding is a separate step from construction start, acceptance of a completed building or the first day the public can use it.

Questions local taxpayers can ask

How will the other approximately $8 million in project costs be financed? Who will cover maintenance, staffing and utility bills once the center opens? Will youth programs and the proposed playground have affordable and accessible arrangements? Residents can request the environmental review record at City Hall.

Primary source: City of Mendota — September 16 HUD fund-release and environmental notice. Also read Mendota’s current General Plan hearing information.

Editorial note: The center is a planned project. Dimensions, scope and funding are from official documents, not an independent construction inspection.

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