The Oliva Park

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

And at the end of the day, your feet should be dirty, your hair messy, and your eyes sparkling with joy.

By Sandra McKinney

The children of the Red Hills neighborhood in east Gallup know that Mr. and Mrs. Claus do exist! Though in the City of Gallup, their alias names are Joe and Christine DiGregorio. The spirit of giving abounds in Gallup New Mexico – all year around!

Joe and Christine donated land on Basilio Drive in Gallup for a park to be built. It is so very appropriate that the street is named after Joe DiGregorio’s father, Basilio DiGregorio (the founder of the California Market Empire — now Lowe’s). The Oliva Park is named for Joe’s mother, Oliva DiGregorio. The Oliva Park officially opened to the public on September 22nd. Since that day, the park is consistently in use by children and adults, alike.

The park features unique playground equipment, a swing set, basketball court, covered picnic tables, and barbecue grills. A small parking lot is located adjacent to the park. There is plenty of room for the children to run and play, and the adults can make numerous laps around the park for their own exercise. When the weather is nice, it is a wonderful place to hold a birthday party, or just a family gathering. Bring your burgers and hot dogs, and have a fun cook-out while the children play.

Funding for the park primarily came from capital outlay funds from the State of New Mexico in excess of $250,000, with Representative Wonda Johnson being the biggest contributor for her House District. $150,000 came from the City of Gallup’s Sidewalk Participation Program to cover the entire cost of the project at over $335,000.

This project had been in the discussion stage for a long period. That area was without a park for way too long. Parents had to take their children to other areas in town for play and exercise. Children can now walk or ride their bicycles to the park and enjoy a safe atmosphere to let off their child-steam.

What a wonderful way to get the children outside to play; remove them from the grasp of the television and video games. There is nothing like playing outside: life should be filled with wonder, discoveries, bugs and birds, and adventure. Take your child outside. Let them use their imagination. Let them get to know and love nature. It will remind you what it is like to see with a child’s eyes and an open heart.

It may almost be winter, but there is still opportunity for some play in the brisk cool air, and maybe the flavor of snowflakes on top of your burger. Get outside and enjoy life with your children.