TUSTIN : Firm Authorized to Design Tree Park

Plans for the Tustin Ranch Tree Park became more firmly rooted this week when the City Council unanimously authorized a consulting firm to begin work on the project’s master design.

Past enterprises of consultant RJM Design Group of Mission Viejo include the county’s Laguna Coast Wilderness Park and O’Neill Regional Park northeast of Lake Forest. The firm has also designed or constructed park and recreation facilities for the cities of Irvine, Fullerton, Mission Viejo, Placentia and Santa Ana.

The Tustin Ranch park will be a nine-acre site on Pioneer Road that features a 100-year-old redwood tree and a stand of about 350 cedars. Park improvements will include regional trail access, restrooms, picnic and play areas, play equipment, lighted parking lots and possibly a small community building.

Public comment on the park’s design will be sought as part of the planning process. City officials estimate that the nature park will cost $1.3 million.

In other action this week, the council voted to donate $3,000 in city funds to help pay for Grad Night activities sponsored by Foothill High School. The all-night party will provide an alcohol-free and drug-free environment for students to celebrate leaving school.