This man-made fountain is the centerpiece of the 15-acre expansion to Micke Grove Park. The new acreage opened to the public two weeks ago. (Brian Feulner/News-Sentinel)

Micke Grove Park opens anew

The 15-acre expansion to Micke Grove Park is now open to the public, but at least on Tuesday it seemed that San Joaquin County's birds were enjoying the park more than its people.

More than 70 of the birds were drinking the water of the new lake, munching on the grass and standing in perfect formation. But still, the few people out at the park enjoyed the new acreage, too.

"I think it's beautiful," said Stockton resident Sally Cruz, who brought her 2-year-old daughter and a 2-year-old friend to the park Tuesday morning. "I love the bathrooms, compared to regular park bathrooms. When you have children potty training, it's a big deal."

The $5 million expansion area near Armstrong Road features a large fountain, a 3-acre man-made lake, a large covered picnic area that seats 100, water features to cool visitors off, a small rock wall for climbing and a tot lot.

"This is my first day out here," said Dennis Duffy of Lodi, who spent the morning at Micke Grove with his grandson. "Dave (Beadles) has done a great job."

Beadles is San Joaquin County's parks and recreation director.

Elsewhere in Micke Grove Park, the zoo is about to be remodeled, starting with a new area for otters and snow leopards at the east side of the zoo, said zoo manager Ken Nieland.

The project will begin with demolition of the circular aviary on Tuesday, followed by construction of the otter/snow leopard area, Nieland said.

Contact reporter Ross Farrow at rossf@lodinews.com.