Firm Selected to Plan Development of 130-Acre Park Site

A master plan for developing Deer Canyon Park, a new recreational facility in Anaheim Hills, will be drawn up by a Fullerton-based consulting firm under a contract approved this week by the City Council.

The $97,000 contract was awarded to Purkiss-Rose/RSI.

The city has budgeted about $1 million to develop the 130-acre site, which will become the city’s largest park with the exception of golf courses. The new park will be mostly within the Highlands of Anaheim Hills residential complex.

Mayor Tom Daly described the park land as “a great resource” for the community. “It’s time we move forward,” Daly said, “and make it available to the public.”

City officials estimate that it will take from six to eight months to complete the master plan and prepare construction documents. If the project goes according to plan, construction could begin next spring and be completed within a year.

As part of the planning, a series of community workshops will be held to gather ideas about amenities for the site.

Jack Kudron, city park superintendent, said a trail system likely will be included, along with picnic areas, restrooms and possibly equestrian facilities.

“It’s a beautiful area,” Kudron said. “There are probably 200-year-old oak trees in there.”