MONTE VISTA - On May 28, a newly covered statue that reads “J.D. Sanchez Park” was placed in the park on Pennsylvania Avenue in Monte Vista.  

The public is invited to the unveiling of the statue. The program will begin at 1 p.m. on June 21.  

Sanchez Park has long been a treasure in Monte Vista due to its deep roots and history. It was named after business owner Joe D. Sanchez, who was a prominent community member for many years, and at one time was the mayor of Monte Vista. He owned J.D. Sanchez Construction Company in Monte Vista. 

Sanchez Park has seen a lot of positive changes over the past 5 years. In 2021, a Kaboom grant for between $20,000 and $25,000 was awarded to the City of Monte Vista to help revitalize Sanchez Park. At the time, the city had also organized fundraisers for the project, and the proceeds went toward helping with the revitalization effort. 

Sanchez Park had some outdated playground equipment, and the grant was used to upgrade the playground with input from the community. 

The community voted on their favorite design for the park. After the equipment was delivered, community organized construction days were held to put it in place Aug. 18-20, 2021. On Aug. 21, 2021, the official ribbon cutting ceremony for the playground was held at the park.  

On the day of the ribbon cutting, Joe D. Sanchez' son, Greg Sanchez, made the trip from New York and attended the ceremony at the park. He was given the honor of cutting the ribbon for the newly revitalized park. He said, "It was an honor to cut the ribbon, and I thank the community for keeping up with the park.” 

For more information about Sanchez Park, visit the park or contact Monte Vista Public Works Director Rob Vance at the City of Monte Vista.