The Council unanimously approved a contract with Fairview Development Center to create additional playing fields. This project is special because not only will all the AYSO kids get new lighted practice fields, but the residents of Fairview will also have a great new place to play and exercise. It's a win win for all. The efforts of Public Services Department staff have resulted in a successful transformation of the FDC site into a sports field. The fields are germinating and the site should be available for use in April 2008. The work involved rodent control, weed eradication, irrigation repair, replacement of 150 sprinkler heads, installation of 500 feet of control wire for valves, installation of new controller and power supply, fine grading and hydroseeding. The fields still need additional maintenance attention in the next several months along with fencing, portable restrooms, and access improvements to ensure that the entire facility is prepared for public use.

City to Consider Changing Paularino Flood Channel into Multi-purpose Community Trails

Council Member Foley asked to agendize the item because "More and more citizens, young and old, seek places for clean, safe, walking and biking trails with easy access from their homes. People are moving where the quality of life has value to them. Upgrades to the flood channels as multi-purpose trails provides that. Its network of trails will allow walkers and bikers to travel throughout a good part of North Costa Mesa and connect to the Back Bay on a safe auto traffic free route. This opportunity enhances the quality of life here in Costa Mesa."

From the Daily Pilot on May 11, 2007

Proposed trail would connect existing paths: Costa Mesa leaders hear about idea for bike trail along flood control channel. Construction would be about $1 million. By Alicia Robinson

Costa Mesa officials are considering a new bike trail that would run along the Paularino flood control channel and would connect existing bike trails on the east and west sides of the city. The City Council heard about the concept at a study session Tuesday, and county officials have been supportive of the plan, Costa Mesa transportation services manager Peter Naghavi said.

The dirt channel is now used about twice a year by county maintenance vehicles. To become a bike and walking trail, it would be paved. Naghavi said designing the trail and holding public outreach could cost up to $150,000, and construction would be about $1 million. It likely would be funded by grants.

The council would have to formally vote for the trail to proceed. Costa Mesa City Councilwoman Katrina Foley has asked that a planned bike trail be put on the council's agenda for a vote. Naghavi said homeowners along the channel may have concerns, but he thinks the trail would benefit the city as a whole.

For further information about the multi-purpose trail plans, read the staff report.

Watch the council study session from May 8, 2007 online on Costa Mesa TV

Sign a petition to keep this project moving forward.

Eastside Families Soon to Have New Park to Play In

On February 20, 2007, the City Council Voted Unanimously to purchase an old private school property on Monte Vista Avenue for $3.5 million to expand the size of Brentwood Park on the Eastside. The 1.19-acre property is adjacent to Brentwood Park and would allow the park to expand to a 2.65-acre park. After the purchase is completed, the design and uses for the park will go to the Parks and Recreation Commission for ideas from the community. The purchase was made by a loan from the city's general fund to our park development fund. The money will be repaid within the next year or so from the substantial park development fees slated to pour in from developments in the South Coast Metro Area. Stay tuned for implementation of this exciting new park plan. Please feel free to email me if you have ideas for the park.

Volcom SkatePark Dedication

The Volcom SkatePark of Costa Mesa opened this summer and the kids love it! After a few weeks at the park, on July 21, 2005, Katrina proposed $150,000 in improvements to the park to make it safer for skaters, and more family friendly. The council approved plans to close the gaps in the fencing, add viewing bleachers outside the fenced area near the bowls, add picnic tables, a walkway and viewing area around the park, and to create a skater and family rest area with backpack storage. Katrina is already working to identify another skatepark location, afterschool skateboard classes, and skateboarding camps for next summer.

Costa Mesa Skatepark Wins Award of Excellence

Costa Mesa Skatepark Wins California Parks & Recreation Society Award of Excellence in the category of Facility Design – Skateparks, for cities with a population of 100,000 or more. Congratulations to our staff, Jim Gray, Perkis Rose and the entire skate community who helped make this happen for our great city. Let's get to work on the second park!

Katrina Foley Appointed To Great Park Advisory Council

Katrina was recently appointed to the Great Park Advisory Council representing Costa Mesa for the Great Park Conservancy. The role of the Great Park Conservancy is to generate and maintain public and private support throughout Orange County and beyond for the development and operation of the Orange County Great Park. The Conservancy created a distinguished Advisory Council of influential community leaders who lend their names in support of the Great Park. The Advisory Council includes representation from north, central and south Orange County cities, as well as community leaders countywide.

Here Katrina is pictured with Conservancy Board Secretary and retired State Senator, Marian Bergeson as well as other members of the Jewel of Orange County Park Event Committee who toured the Great Park as part of their work on the April 7th extravaganza fundraising event for the park. The primary purpose of this event is to celebrate the Orange County Great Park. It is intended to be a “Friend Raiser,” bringing together support from the surrounding communities for the Park’s creation. Funds raised through the event will be used toward the Conservancy’s efforts to promote the Great Park throughout Orange County. The Great Park should be a regional park for all of Orange County residents. Click here for more information about the conservancy.  Email Katrina to get involved in this effort and ensure that Costa Mesa voices are heard.