Toyon Park Work Is Nearly Done

Anaheim Hills residents near Weir Canyon Road have a park of their own, and local athletes will soon find more fields to meet growing demand for soccer and softball activities.

The second and last section of the 16-acre Toyon Park will open Nov. 26 with additions that include lighted fields, restrooms, a recreation building, a sand volleyball court, picnic tables and extra parking.

The first section opened in March on six acres with improvements that included a playground and basketball court.

Park Planner Richard Mayer said area developers paid for the improvements and dedicated the land to the city--a package worth about $11 million.

The City Council on Tuesday is expected to formally accept the second phase of work, with a dedication ceremony scheduled for Jan. 24.

Mayer called the park, with its panoramic views, “a real asset in the community.”

“We have a lot of people interested in using it,” he said.

With a growing number of children playing soccer and few available fields, the park will be a plus for the Canyon Hills Soccer Assn., said Pam Anderson, association president.

“It’s going to make a huge difference to our area. Now, we only have two lighted fields, but with two more fields, we don’t have to compete for practice space,” she said.

Anderson said her association of 1,000 young players--200 more than last year--is expected to be the first to use the new fields when it holds a tournament in December.

Residents also are pleased to have a park in their neighborhood.

“It’s a nice place,” said Aiti Chiang, while walking with her parents and their golden retriever, Beauty, Friday morning. “It’s a big place and a safe place for kids.”