Skate and dog parks, equestrian and arts facilities --listed in new Parks and Recreation Master Plan

Several long-sought recreational amenities – skate and dog parks, an equestrian event and boarding facility and a visual and performing arts center, among others – are delineated in a new Parks and Recreation Master Plan for services and facilities through 2030 in Yorba Linda.

The plan identifies 19 projects and divides them into “need,” “demand” and “desire” categories.

For example, a skate park – sought by at least two generations of local youth – was placed in the “desire” bin with seven others, defined as “projects that the community desires if there is a way to fund them in the future.”

The skate park was “a top priority” of the city's Teen Action Committee, but a community survey, stakeholder interviews and focus groups indicated “a very low percentage of residents favor building a skate park.”

A “highly visible” and “easily accessible” park location “away from residential or commercial properties” doesn't exist, so a “recommended strategy” is to “remain aware...this is a desirable facility for a special interest group” to be pursued if a location and funding “presents itself.”

Other amenities in the “desire” category include a municipal pool complex, new senior center, new gymnasium, additional outdoor amphitheater, fitness center, tennis center and public art.

An equestrian event and boarding facility, off-lease dog park and visual and performing arts center are among five in the “demand” category, defined as “projects that community outreach and comparison studies show there is a demand for...if funding and resources can be obtained.”

Two dog parks could be supported, with the “ideal strategy” of providing them on the city's east- and west-ends, but if “a proper location cannot be secured in an existing park then strategies to acquire an adequate location(s) should be pursued.”

Three strategies were suggested for a visual and performing arts center: Include space in a future library or multipurpose community center or partner with arts organizations to develop a center or pursue a joint-use agreement for use of the new center at El Dorado High School.

Strategies for an equestrian facility include obtaining land dedicated through development agreements, outright land acquisition and possible leased-land options.

Also in the “demand” category are additional equestrian trails and splash/water play activities.

The “need” category is defined as “priority projects for funding and allocation of resources to meet current needs” and includes six projects areas, including additional land for local parks.

The biggest project suggested is “a community park with multipurpose lighted sports fields, a community center with classrooms, studios, preschool facilities and space for cultural arts activities,” probably situated on the eastside.

Also in the “need” category are walking trails, lighted fields, softball fields, outdoor basketball and volleyball courts and a balance of park types throughout the city.