Youths Pitch In to Ready Park Site

Armed with rakes and hoes and sporting blistered hands, 16 youths gave up part of their weekend to help their community achieve a dream: completion of San Juan Creek Neighborhood Park.

Ranging from 10 to 16 years old, the youngsters pulled weeds, hoisted boulders, raked up debris and prepared beds for the planting of shrubs and other greenery.

The 2.5-acre park, which includes a small playground and a trail for joggers, equestrians and bikers, will open Nov. 16.

“It’s fun helping the community,” said 12-year-old Sergio Manzo, who attends Marco Forster Middle School. “We’re making it a better place to live.”

The youngsters are involved in the Community Services Program, a joint effort between schools, law enforcement agencies and the communities of San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente and Dana Point.

The program aims to prevent gang violence and drug abuse by getting youths involved in activities like Saturday’s work party.

“They’ll always remember this,” said Jesse Gutierrez, a program counselor. “The park will always be here, and they’ll remember the part they played in it.”

Besides getting the youths involved, the project also capped a three-year campaign to make the park a reality.

In 1993, residents from nearby neighborhoods lobbied the city for the little park, then raised about $25,000 to pay for its construction, going door to door for contributions.

With additional donations from plant nurseries, landscapers and irrigation specialists--and a matching allocation of about $25,000 from the city--the park finally took shape, with the Community Services Program playing a vital role.

“There’s a lot that these kids can contribute to the community,” said Ilse Byrnes, a 37-year resident and city commissioner who came out to help “strictly as a volunteer.”

“We all benefit from their work,” Byrnes said.

Said 11-year-old Rory Marquina, one of the young landscapers: “The blisters are worth it.”