Park Plan Includes Pools, Amphitheater

The master plan for renovating the city’s Independence Park calls for a wave pool, more than 300 parking stalls, an amphitheater and an Olympic-size swimming pool with an energy-saving heating system.

The make-over, which would be completed in three phases, would cost $4 million and would be developed over the next five to 10 years, said Susan Hunt, director of the city’s community services.

City Council members have yet to sign off on the plan but are to consider it in six weeks, Hunt said. The Community Services Commission has recommended the plan’s approval, suggesting that the first phase begin immediately.

A portion of the first phase would consist of adding parking spaces, creating a new entrance to the park and a driveway around its perimeter, building a play pool for children and seeking a private vendor to install and operate the wave pool.

Improvements in the second and third phases would include renovating the existing locker room, adding an amphitheater and rooms that could be rented for parties, installing basketball and volleyball courts and some sort of energy-saving heating system such as solar panels, and building a snack bar where commercial vendors could rent space.

Parking would be free, but a fee would be charged for use of the pools.

The plan could be changed in the future if residents request different activities and facilities at the park, officials said.

Hunt said $800,000 already has been committed for the first phase of the renovation over the next five years. The city would seek grants and donations to pay for the rest.

Members of the Fullerton Aquatic Swim Team, who use the pool for practice and competition, have voiced support for the plan. They and city officials say it would cut operating costs and bring in revenue that could be used to keep the pool open year-round.

In the last several years, officials have considered closing the pool in the winter because of budget shortfalls.