UKIAH, CA., 10/6/25 – Students at Grace Hudson Language Academy in Ukiah will soon have a new playground, thanks to $250,000 in state funding secured by state Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire, D-North Coast.
The money, included in the state budget, will fund renovations of two playgrounds at the dual-immersion Spanish language school, which serves students in transitional kindergarten through fifth grade.
Part of the Ukiah Unified School District, Grace Hudson Language Academy has 449 students, 79% of whom qualify for free or reduced-price lunches, according to the district.
McGuire said the playgrounds are long overdue for upgrades. They are used not only by students during the school day but also by local children and families after school and on weekends.
“Grace Hudson is a special place, welcoming students from all backgrounds and delivering an amazing education that prepares these incredible kids for a multicultural world,” McGuire said. “We all know playgrounds are the heart of every school, and these students deserve the very best.”
McGuire visited the school in September to meet with students and discuss the planned improvements. Design and construction are expected to begin in 2026.
Maybe this time there is enough advance notice to avoid use of tire waste in the playground surface, it was too late in Fort Bragg and it’s unfortunate.
Seriously, that stuff is awful and should be illegal for our kids to play in