New fields at Caesar Chavez Ravenswood Middle School give East Palo Alto youth a safe, accessible space for sports and connection, improving well-being and making community gatherings possible.

Driving down Ralmar Street for the first time at night, I felt a mix of curiosity and anticipation. The street, usually quiet, was alive with activity as I approached the open gates of Caesar Chavez Ravenswood Middle School (CCRMS). Families were walking from their cars into the campus, and the parking lot was packed—a sign that something special was happening. The CCRMS field had opened to the public for the first time just a few weeks ago in January 2026.

After finding a parking spot, I began the long walk across a dimly lit campus. To my right, the tennis courts shone brightly, and in the foreground, a mother and her children enjoyed dinner on the playground. Continuing on, I reached the soccer fields, where the hum of tower lights filled the air. Some lights weren’t working, but I saw someone in the distance making repairs. The scene was vibrant, even in the darkness.

I met Coach Vivi and Horacio from the Ravenswood Juniors Soccer Club. Coach Vivi explained how the new location had transformed the experience for kids and parents. Previously, their practices at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park - one of the locations they had used before consolidating all 22 teams' soccer practices to the Caesar Chavez Ravenswood Middle School field - were plagued by mosquitoes and limited to daylight hours. Now, the turf field allowed for evening practices—even in the rain—something impossible on soggy grass fields. The team had tried other venues, but scheduling conflicts meant they couldn’t practice until late. Six o’clock was ideal, as many students attended after-school programs until then.

Facility Improvements: Making Public Reservations Possible

These changes didn’t happen overnight. Ravenswood City School District raised a $110 million bond and received generous donations to improve school facilities. Caesar Chavez Ravenswood Middle School benefited from a new turf field, soccer field, and tennis courts. Until recently, these fields were closed to the public, leaving local residents with few accessible parks. Now, organizations can reserve the fields, opening up new opportunities for the community. 

The process is straightforward: public organizations can make reservations through the district’s website: https://events.dudesolutions.com/administration/ravenswoodschools/-/settings/community. The new Los Robles-Ronald McNair field is also now available for public reservations. While the sites aren’t open for walk-up access, the reservation system ensures fair and organized use. 

Community Impacts: Health, Accessibility, and More

The impact of these improvements is profound. Kids benefit from better mental health, as they can practice even during winter evenings. The turf field enables play in rainy conditions, and the convenience reduces vehicle miles traveled—many children now walk from nearby neighborhoods instead of commuting out of East Palo Alto. This shift eases the burden on parents and fosters a stronger sense of community.

Areas for Improvement

There are still areas for improvement, such as lighting. Portable tower lights are expensive, but the district has already laid conduit under the fields, making future installations more feasible.

Let There Be Light!

During my East Palo Alto City Council campaign, I pledged to address our city’s finances and put our $140 million reserve to better use. Our residents deserve to see their tax dollars invested in projects that improve our community, not just accumulating interest in bank accounts. Webster Lincoln and I

East Palo Alto SunMark Dinan

Some residents have requested a new entrance from Hazelwood Way, which could help decrease traffic which has to loop around on Ralmar. 

Conclusion

The journey from a closed campus to a vibrant, accessible community space is a testament to the district’s commitment and the power of collective action. Thanks to these efforts, the fields at Caesar Chavez Ravenswood Middle School are now a hub for youth sports, family gatherings, and community well-being.