A large crowd of passionate locals and distinguished guests last Saturday, July 11, for the official groundbreaking ceremony to start construction of the long-awaited General Vang Pao Park and Aletha June Playground in north Merced.
This new neighborhood park, located near the intersection of West Cardella Road and Freemark Avenue, will serve as a first-of-its-kind memorial to General Vang Pao — the respected Hmong military leader who helped save American lives during the Vietnam War. In addition, the park’s playground will stand as shining example of inclusivity as it is dedicated to the late Aletha June — a special needs advocate and trailblazer in the local community.
Standout features in this project include the General Vang Pao Memorial Plaza, which will house public art, educational features celebrating Hmong culture, and improved trail connectivity across town. Meanwhile, the Aletha June Playground will be an all-inclusive playground designed to provide children of all abilities with the opportunity to play together.
“This groundbreaking represents much more than the start of construction,” said Chris Jensen, director of Parks and Community Services. “Aletha June and General Vang Pao speak to the advocacy and importance for continuing to fight for the right to participate in your community and the right to prosper. General Vang Pao did that internationally with migration to the United States, and Aletha June did that regionally, pushing for the rights of inclusivity of people with specific needs. This continues our mission to play on purpose and ensure that everyone is involved with our local play opportunities.”
Notably, General Vang Pao’s youngest son Chi Neng Vang spoke at the event and reflected on the importance of the park — the first-ever municipal park in the nation named after his father. He explained that this year is not just the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, but it is the 50th anniversary of the Hmong community being free in America.
Remarkably, the creation of General Vang Pao Park marks the first time in Merced history that anyone of Hmong descent has been given such an enduring honor.
General Vang Pao was a respected military leader who led Hmong forces in Laos during the Vietnam War while supporting United States military operations during the CIA-led Secret War. Following the fall of Laos in 1975, he became a leading advocate for Hmong refugees seeking safety and new opportunities in the United States. His leadership helped pave the way for thousands of Hmong families to resettle in communities across California, including Merced, where they have made lasting contributions to the city’s cultural, civic, educational, and economic vitality. Today, Merced is home to one of the nation’s largest Hmong communities, making the park a meaningful tribute to both General Vang Pao’s legacy and the enduring contributions of the Hmong people.
The Aletha June Playground honors the legacy of local advocate Aletha June, whose work championed inclusive recreation and opportunities for children and individuals with disabilities.
Together, local officials say, the playground and General Vang Pao Park reflect the city’s commitment to creating public spaces where everyone can gather, play, learn, and belong.
