THE OLIVA PARK And at the end of the day, your feet should be dirty, your hair messy, and your eyes sparkling with joy. play. Funding for the park primarily came from capital outlay funds from the State of he children of the Red Hills neighborhood in east Gallup know that New Mexico in excess of $250,000, with Representative Wonda Johnson being the Mr. and Mrs. Claus do exist! Though in the City of Gallup, their alias names are Joe biggest contributor for her House District. and Christine DiGregorio. The spirit of giving $150,000 came from the City of Gallup’s Sidewalk Participation Program to cover the abounds in Gallup New Mexico – all year entire cost of the project at over $335,000. around! This project had been in the discussion Joe and Christine donated land on Basilio stage for a long period. That area was without Drive in Gallup for a park to be built. It is so a park for way too long. Parents had to take very appropriate that the street is named after Joe DiGregorio’s father, Basilio DiGregorio (the their children to other areas in town for play and exercise. Children can now walk or ride founder of the California Market Empire — now Lowe’s). The Oliva Park is named for Joe’s their bicycles to the park and enjoy a safe atmosphere to let off their child-steam. mother, Oliva DiGregorio. The Oliva Park What a wonderful way to get the children officially opened to the public on September outside to play; remove them from the grasp 22nd. Since that day, the park is consistently in of the television and video games. There is use by children and adults, alike. nothing like playing outside: life should be filled The park features unique playground with wonder, discoveries, bugs and birds, and equipment, a swing set, basketball court, adventure. Take your child outside. Let them covered picnic tables, and barbecue grills. A small parking lot is located adjacent to the park. use their imagination. Let them get to know There is plenty of room for the children to run and love nature. It will remind you what it is like to see with a child’s eyes and an open heart. and play, and the adults can make numerous It may almost be winter, but there is still laps around the park for their own exercise. opportunity for some play in the brisk cool air, When the weather is nice, it is a wonderful and maybe the flavor of snowflakes on top of place to hold a birthday party, or just a family your burger. Get outside and enjoy life with gathering. Bring your burgers and hot dogs, your children. and have a fun cook-out while the children
By Sandra McKinney
Christine DiGregorio, Representative Wonda Johnson, Joe DiGregorio on dedication day for Oliva Park
Joe Di with Joe Vargas (former City Parks and Recreation Director) Alfred “Porky” Abeita, friends of 79 years from growing up in the Northside Washington school area
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December 2017
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