PLACENTIA : Dedication Is Today for City’s New Sports Complex

A new city park with ball fields and buildings named for prominent residents will be dedicated today.

The park, Placentia Champions Sports Complex, is scheduled to open for public use in March but tours will be offered today following a special dedication ceremony, city officials said. The park includes the new Alfred V. Aguirre recreation center, Ralph J. Caballero concession building, Tom Munos baseball field, Gualberto Valadez soccer field, Steve Marsh and Richard Jensen Little League baseball fields and outdoor multipurpose courts.

Aguirre, a 75-year Placentia resident and retired brick and stone mason, was the first Latino to serve on the City Council. He still serves his city as a volunteer in community organizations and park improvement projects.

Caballero, who died in 1993, worked for the city’s Public Works Department for more than 19 years and volunteered in recreational activities for youths. Munos, who died in 1991, was a volunteer coach and manager of baseball teams in the city for more than 59 years. Valadez, a retired physical education and Spanish teacher, is a volunteer tutor at Casa Placentia Inc.

March was instrumental in establishing Little League in the city, and Jensen served on the Recreation and Parks Commission for 20 years while working as a volunteer coach and manager of Little League teams.

City Council members said the men “have been instrumental in making Placentia a pleasant place.”

The public is invited to the dedication ceremony, which will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. at the park, 505 S. Jefferson St.