Logo courtesy of the Gridley Unified School District

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – Gridley may have an opportunity to expand Vierra Park through a proposed land exchange with the Gridley Unified School District.

City officials discussed the idea during the June 15 council meeting and said a property swap could create additional space for recreation facilities, community gathering areas and future park improvements.

The proposal centers on the former Portuguese Hall property at Washington and Norman streets, a 0.37-acre parcel next to the park. The school district purchased the site, demolished the building and cleared the lot.

In return, the district is seeking city owned property in the industrial park for a future storage facility.

City Administrator Elisa Arteaga said the former Portuguese Hall parcel could support expanded amenities, better connectivity between public facilities and potential grant funded projects. Ideas mentioned included open space, walking paths, picnic areas, recreation programming and community facilities.

Gridley Unified Superintendent Justin Kern said the district needs a permanent location for equipment and materials.

He said the district would like to move out of the old Save Mart building, which has served as temporary storage.

“We do not know what is going to happen with that long term,” Kern said. “We have a lease that goes through next year.”

Kern said the district initially looked at the city’s industrial Parcel 9 across from the sports complex because of its size and proximity.

Much of the council’s discussion focused on whether the requested parcel is the right property to offer.

Arteaga said Parcel 9 has been part of the city’s broader planning for the park and surrounding area. “We have other industrial parcels that could meet the district’s needs without giving up land near the soccer field,” Arteaga said.

Mayor Mike Farr agreed and said the parcel near the soccer field is valuable for future development. Vice Mayor Bruce Johnson supported acquiring the former Portuguese Hall property while also offering alternatives for the swap.

The city owns three additional parcels already identified for potential sale.

Arteaga said the district has invested about $109,000 in the Portuguese Hall property, including acquisition costs, back taxes, demolition, fencing and cleanup. Appraisals have not been completed, making it too early to determine whether the properties are comparable in value.

Kern said other city owned parcels could work for the district and said the district is open to continued negotiations.

Council members directed staff to continue evaluating the proposal, including appraisals, engineering review and other due diligence. Any land exchange would require future council approval.