A new Santee park named after a San Diego Sheriff’s deputy killed in the line of duty officially opened to the public Saturday.
The City of Santee announced in July that it was naming Deputy Ken Collier Neighborhood Park after Sheriff Kenneth James Collier, who was killed on Feb. 28, 2010 when his cruiser went off the side of State Route 52 as he chased a DUI suspect driving against oncoming traffic.
[G] Deputy Ken Collier Neighborhood Park
Members of the law enforcement community, local residents and Santee city leaders introduce the half-acre park at a grand opening ceremony on Saturday at 10 a.m. The park is nestled against SR 52 at 9127 Via de Cristina north of Prospect Avenue.
"We take comfort in knowing that even though Ken lost his life, he lost his life doing what he wanted to do," said Ken's brother Lauren Collier. "Honestly, Ken wouldn't have wanted it any other way."
Park amenities include a playground structure, benches, a covered picnic area, interactive bikeway, half basketball court and outdoor fitness equipment.
Several environmentally-friendly features were also implemented into the park’s design like drought tolerant plants, a low-evaporation watering system, and a solar-powered overhead light.
The park’s $1.2 million price tag was partially offset by the city with state and local grants totaling $321,000, and a County Neighborhood Reinvestment Program Grant of $64,413.
