A project including the city of El Cajon, The Toro Company and the Urban Corps of San Diego County was awarded Project of the Year by the American Public Works Association.
Once an empty dirt lot, North Marshal Pocket Park includes an off-leash dog area with dog bone shaped benches and created a new space for gathering and activities. A multi-use area for surrounding residents, the dog park is also providing prospective pet owners a place to bond with their future pet from the shelter, given its proximity to the San Diego Human Society’s El Cajon campus.
Finished last summer, the project cost $60,000 with funding from The Toro Company Foundation and Urban Corps covering nearly 75% of the cost. City engineers designed and oversaw construction of the park, while the city’s Public Work Department and Urban Corps Corpsmembers constructed it under its work-to-learn program that hires young adults 18-26 years oldwho do not have a high school diploma.