Developing More Parkland Is at Top of To-Do List

More than doubling the amount of parkland has become a top priority for a city seriously deficient in park acreage according to state standards.

The Orange City Council last week unanimously approved a master plan for park facilities, recreation and community services, allowing the city to work toward increasing the amount of open space. The city currently has 137 acres of developed parkland, 42.5 acres of undeveloped land for parks and 14 acres of joint-use land. According to state and national parkland standards, there should be three acres of parkland per 1,000 residents, which means Orange should have 375 acres of open space.

“Over the years we have not been as aggressive as we should be,” said Gary Wann, director of community and library services. “The council has been very clear they want this to be a priority, and that is exactly what it is going to be. We [have] a long ways to go, but the key is persistence and making sure we are doing business the right way.”

Wann said the master plan will provide a foundation for the city to acquire and develop needed parkland.

Some of the city’s goals include conserving open space, ensuring recreational facilities are well maintained, providing a wide variety of recreational facilities and programs, and encouraging joint use of existing physical resources, particularly with the Orange Unified School District.

Alan Pollack, a member of the Orange Youth Council, said the plan will benefit Orange residents of all ages by offering more open space and improved facilities.

“We have had a dire need for athletic fields and just parkland in general,” said Pollack, who has been involved in youth sports for more than 20 years. “This will give the city more direction and a plan to implement the needs of the community.”

Marissa Espino can be reached at (714) 966-5879.