September 10, 2025

Welcome to the new website!

This whole thing started with a vacant lot. For over 30 years now, there has been a vacant lot on the street where I grew up. What was once a preschool, that I myself attended, is now covered in sagebrush and weeds.

This lot has been filled with my imaginings several times over the years. It could have a small grocery store. It could become a small housing complex. It could have a community center. Any of these would be great additions to the neighborhood. We are sorely lacking in many amenities.

Most recently, I had a new image come to mind: a playground for adults. There are so many teenagers, working adults, stay-at-home moms, and retired couples that walk around the neighborhood for exercise. The children have a place to play, but they all outgrow the play equipment at some point.

I’ve seen some fitness equipment in other parks in more affluent areas. Usually, the equipment on offer is sparse and is only able to counterbalance the weight of the current user. Beginners, people who need rehabilitation, and those trying to build muscle aren’t suitably accommodated by these machines.

With the idea of a fitness park, I did what I usually do: research. I went to many outdoor fitness equipment websites to see what was available. I filled out forms and sent away for catalogs. I sent and received emails from salespeople. I asked questions online and looked at different regulations and requirements to make a park.

I decided that we need equipment that will serve all of our community members. Equipment that will last in good order for years and years. Benches to rest on. Fencing to deter curious dogs during exercise. Lighting for safety. A restroom building that can be open year-round. Water fountains and even vending machines offering healthier snacks and drinks to complement the fitness goals of the people who use the park.

As I totalled up these and many more little necessities, I realized that not only would I have to start a nonprofit to ease the path for all of the paperwork I needed to do, I also needed a lot of money.

Hopefully, if you’ve read this far, you can see my vision. Not just this one park. One day, I want similar facilities in other neighborhoods like ours. I want community centers where people can teach and learn anything they would like. I want community gardens that are focused on growing food to help us all maintain good health. I want us all to have full and healthy lives.

I’ll be updating the website anytime I we hit a goal or achieve a new step towards the creation of our first project. This isn’t a sprint, this is a long journey that we will take one step at a time. Together.

-Vanessa López

Founder of Serviceberry Community Development Incorporated