Sam Brannan Park is getting four new bocce ball courts, where the Yuba/Sutter Special Olympics team will practice. Photo courtesy of Yuba City

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - Sam Brannan Park will soon be sporting new bocce ball courts.

Why bocce ball?

The Montana family, one of the four founding families of the Yuba/Sutter Special Olympics, donated $300,000 to help fund the project. Community Services director Ann Gillen said the Yuba/Sutter Special Olympics teams have practiced on the two bocce courts at Kingwood Park over the years.

"With the addition of the four new courts at Sam Brannan, the local teams can practice more and will also be able to host regional tournaments every year," Gillen said of the four official-size courts, 76 feet long and 10 feet wide. "Since they are official-size courts, we will be able to rent them out for tournaments."

When not hosting tournaments, the Yuba/Sutter Special Olympics practice at Sam Brannan Park during their bocce ball season. According to Yuba City Vice-Mayor Dave Shaw, bocce ball is a sport many Yuba residents enjoy.

"It provides exercise and enjoyment for those who engage in this sport," Shaw said. "I have had the pleasure of speaking to many people of our community who frequent the bocce ball locations throughout the city."

Shaw said the new feature at Sam Brannan Park makes a great addition to many other amenities in Yuba City, including pickle ball, pump track, basketball, and playground structures.

"We want our parks to be a place that all residents can enjoy with their family and friends in an area that is close to home," Shaw said.

By adding bocce ball courts to Sam Brannan Park, Gillen said, "We are giving the community an opportunity to participate in a game of leisure, which she said combines social activity, light exercise, and outdoor time."

"It is a game that is easy to play and is suitable for all ages and skill levels," Gillen said of bocce ball, which allows a minimum of two players and a maximum of eight.

Physical exercise is one of the best things you can do for yourself, according to the community service director. 

"It relieves stress and anxiety, improves mental health, increases energy levels, and can reduce the risk of disease," Gillen said. "Not everyone can afford a gym membership or have the room or equipment at home to get the daily exercise they like or enjoy, so providing a variety of different amenities at our parks is a way of keeping our community healthy and happy."

Outside gyms such as Sam Brannan Park and other Yuba City recreational areas must be maintained and improved for proper use, specifically since Yuba City "parks play a crucial role in the community," according to Gillen.

The vice-mayor agreed, saying, "As a part of the quality of life our residents, we continue to create, maintain and enhance our parks so that the residents of Yuba City can enjoy open spaces and amenities that they may not have access to without the parks of the city."

Gillen said recreational areas such as Sam Brannan Park encourage physical activity and provide space for learning, play and social interaction, which are essential for childhood development. However, park space is not just for the young but just as important for older generations.

"A well-maintained park allows people of all ages to get out and move, whether it be playing on playground equipment, walking, having a pickup game or practicing for a team sport in the open areas or having a birthday party with friends and family," Gillen said.

And there is nothing like some good friendly competition, Gillen added.

 "Two of the most important reasons to have competitive games in our parks is exercise and social interaction," Gillen said. "Being part of a team is a great social activity; it offers a way to escape the pressures of everyday life and provides an opportunity to meet people from all walks of life."