The state park in Oxnard was among the 70 on the chopping block because of budget woes in Sacramento. McGrath had enough money to operate, but a sewer line in bad need of repair required a chunk of cash that couldn’t be found. Without the repair, the park would have had to close for health and safety reasons.

But this week comes news that the park is among 11 that have been spared through partnerships with the federal government, private donors or both. In McGrath’s case, a key federal grant secured the support of private donors and kept the park alive.

Kudos goes to the community leaders who rallied to save the park. It may not have won the online contest for best park in America, but it’s resources like McGrath that make our region a desirable place to live for both business owners and the employees that make them successful.