Parkland for the City? No Money, Mayor Says

Aside from large yards, school fields and a narrow, mile-long green belt, Villa Park residents have no place to enjoy the outdoors in their 2.1-square-mile city.

The community has no park filled with playground equipment for children, benches for lounging or paths for those who want to take a stroll.

Many residents take advantage of the open space at the four schools in the city, but others feel that is not enough.

“I really think we need some place where we can have a senior center and a place where people can relax,” said community activist Teri Elmendorf.

Elmendorf also lamented that widening streets and building newer homes close together is taking away the city’s ranch-style look. “This used to be a rural city with lots of land between homes. Now it’s becoming a mini-Irvine,” she said.

Mayor Bob Bell said the majority of Villa Park, which is about 99% built out, is zoned for single-family residences that predominantly sit on half-acre lots. “We have our own built-in parks,” Bell said.

Creating a park is a good idea, but the city does not have the money, he said.

“We feel that we have the four schools that are available and are designed for [park] use,” he said. “It’s a great idea, but there isn’t something right there right now. I think if we found the right spot, there could be an effort in town to make it a community project.”

In September, Elmendorf suggested the city buy a piece of property from one of the original homeowners and turn it into a park, museum and senior center. She said she had heard the property was for sale, but Bell said it has not been put on the market.

Concerned residents had to consider the size of the small city, Carol Kawanami said.

“I think we have historically had a cooperative joint use with the schools,” Kawanami said. “It would be a nice thing to have a park, but I don’t think there is hardly any large piece available.”

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