Pursuing a Grand Canyon Plan

The longtime residents around Deer Canyon in the Anaheim Hills have prized the rural atmosphere. Rabbits and coyotes dart through the underbrush; hawks wheel overhead. Soon they may be forced to share their secluded gem.

Last month the Anaheim Parks and Recreation Commission approved a city agency’s plan for what it sees as improvements to Deer Canyon. If the City Council also endorses the plan, it will have to ensure that the canyon is not damaged in an attempt to make it more accessible to more people. It should also try to do as much as possible to meet neighbors’ objections and heed the rights of those property owners.

Deer Canyon is about 130 acres, not too far in miles from the Riverside Freeway but a world away psychologically. It’s possible to find silence and peace there, to enjoy the wildlife, admire the oaks and sycamores, maybe even see a deer.

The city’s community services director promises that 95% of the canyon will remain as it is now. The improvements will include hiking and equestrian trails, a parking area for 30 vehicles and restrooms.

The city needs to acquire parts of several private properties to construct an entrance to the proposed parking area. Some residents understandably are upset at having to give up some property. City negotiators should realize that the homeowners likely moved there to get away from crowds. Yielding land so that more outsiders can enjoy what was open space is a disturbing prospect.

But there are obvious benefits to giving more people a chance to enjoy open space in Orange County. The property originally was deeded by developers as a condition for permission to build homes nearby. The city’s master plan speaks of enhancing public enjoyment of the area while “appropriately” maintaining and managing it. That’s a worthy goal.

Residents opposed to the park contend that it will bring increased visitors and crime. But the two are not inextricably linked. The city has done a good job so far of explaining its proposals at public hearings, but must continue to balance the different interests. If it goes ahead with the park, it will need to ensure that residents’ fears are not realized and that Deer Canyon proves to be an oasis for many more people.