SANTEE–The Deputy Ken Collier Neighborhood Park is now open. The City of Santee Saturday held a ribbon cutting ceremony in honor of the deputy who was killed in the line of duty.
The new half-acre park, located in the 9100 block of Via de Cristina, includes two playgrounds, a half-court basketball court, outdoor exercise equipment, benches and a picnic area. Playground equipment is made from recyclable materials. The park also has drought tolerant trees and shrubs, as well as a solar-powered overhead light. The City of Santee says the project’s budget including design and engineering is $1.2 million with state and local grants helping to offset the cost.
Deputy Collier, who was killed while trying to stop a drunk driver going the wrong-way on Highway 52 in Santee in 2010, showed his patrol car to children in his beat.
Collier’s co-workers said ‘he would be very happy to see the park offers various sports activities for children.’
The Sheriff’s Department campaigns vigorously against drunk driving throughout the year. They also walk in memory of Ken during the Walk Like MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving).
