Fullerton will gather at Independence Park on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 11 a.m. to celebrate a $1,000,000 State budget allocation secured by State Senator Tom Umberg to renovate the park’s long-closed gymnasium. This project has been one that Councilmember Ahmad Zahra has long championed.

The state dollars are a key part of the City’s Independence Park Revitalization Project, a long-awaited effort to reopen and modernize one of Fullerton’s most-used community spaces. The celebration is a chance for residents, families and local leaders to thank Senator Umberg and mark progress toward a renewed park.

A neighborhood park waiting for its comeback

Independence Park is a roughly 10-acre park in west Fullerton. It has a pool, a skate park, handball courts, outdoor exercise equipment and open space. It also hosts the City’s Wednesday Certified Farmers Market and Community Yard Sales.

For years, though, the park’s gymnasium has been closed because of its poor condition, leaving local youth and families without indoor recreation. Councilmember Dr. Ahmad Zahra raised the issue with Senator Umberg in a formal letter. The Senator’s office then carried the $1 million request through the State budget process. In February 2025, the Fullerton City Council adopted a resolution approving the money for gymnasium renovations.

What the funding will build

Senator Umberg’s $1 million is one of three secured sources behind Phase I of the project, which totals $3.1 million:

• City Park Dwelling Funds: $2,000,000
• State of California (Sen. Tom Umberg): $1,000,000
• County of Orange (Supervisor Doug Chaffee): $100,000

Phase I includes:

• Gymnasium renovation: a new gym floor, modernized restrooms and ADA accessibility upgrades for year-round programs
• Fullerton’s first adaptive playground: inclusive play for children of all abilities
• New restroom facilities for park visitors
• Landscape and irrigation improvements across the grounds

The City is preparing construction bid documents and will return to the City Council to award a contract. It is also still pursuing federal funds for later phases. In January 2026, the U.S. House passed a funding package that included $250,000 for the park.

Join the celebration

The community is invited to celebrate this investment in Fullerton’s future and thank Senator Umberg for his support.

• What: Celebration of Sen. Tom Umberg’s $1,000,000 State budget allocation for the Independence Park gymnasium
• When: Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 11:00 am.
• Where: Independence Park, 801 West Valencia Drive, Fullerton, CA 92832

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