BREA : Face Lift Planned for Arovista Park

The flood control channel meandering through Arovista Park neatly divides the park into two sections: The good and the bad.

On the west side of the channel, two softball diamonds are flanked by gleaming aluminum bleachers. A clean, well-kept brick building houses restrooms. Manicured landscaping abounds.

The other side of the park is another story. Cracked asphalt leads to a playground with outdated metal equipment. The grassy areas lack the attractive flora visible across the channel, and the Scout house sports a shabby exterior.

But that’s all about to change. Two years after renovations were completed on the west half of the park, Brea officials have announced plans for a face lift on the east side.

At a ceremony at the park Thursday, city officials unveiled plans that include a natural amphitheater, picnic grounds and play areas.

Although the second phase of improvements has been a priority for the city, last-minute budget cuts almost pushed the renovations back a year. Bolstered by a $19,000 grant from Pepsi, the city managed to push ahead with the renovation plans.

Ret Wixted, director of the city’s Parks, Recreation and Human Services Commission, said Arovista Park is Brea’s largest city-owned park. Despite its shabby appearance, the park is special to many people, she said.

“Arovista was originally laid out by volunteers,” Wixted said. “There has been a lot of interest in this park. The renovations are going to bring life back into it.”