Costa Mesa, CA – Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris joined Costa Mesa city leaders, including Mayor John Stephens and Mayor Pro Tem Manuel Chavez, along with community members for the groundbreaking of the Ketchum-Libolt Park improvement project, supported in part by $1.2 million in funding she helped secure in the California State Budget. The upgrades reflect a continued commitment to public safety, neighborhood investment, and enhancing quality recreational spaces for Costa Mesa residents.
Planned improvements include upgraded play areas, refreshed landscaping, enhanced walking paths, seating and gathering areas, and other amenities designed to make the park safer, more accessible, and more welcoming for families and visitors of all ages.
The park is named in memory of Costa Mesa Police Officers Dave Ketchum and Mike Libolt, whose lives were tragically lost in a helicopter crash 39 years ago. The improvement project honors their legacy while ensuring the park remains a vibrant community resource for future generations.
“Investing in our parks strengthens community safety, quality of life, and neighborhood pride,” said Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine). “I was proud to help secure state funding for these improvements and to honor Officers Dave Ketchum and Mike Libolt — whose service and sacrifice continue to inspire Costa Mesa nearly four decades later.”
The park improvements highlight ongoing collaboration between state and local partners to maintain safe, accessible public spaces while preserving the history and meaning behind community landmarks. The project will be completed by late summer 2026. For more information about the project, click here.
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Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris represents California’s 73rd District including Costa Mesa, Irvine and Tustin. She is the Chair of the Utilities and Energy Committee. She is also a member of the Budget Committee; Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact Committee; Insurance Committee; and, Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee. After working her way through Yale University, where she double majored in Economics and English, Cottie had a successful 20-year career in finance and technology. She helped to build businesses and led teams at Fortune 500 corporations, small companies and start-ups. Follow the Assemblywoman on Instagram (@asmcottie) and Facebook (AssemblywomanCPN).