Portola Park Workshop Stresses Diversity

If last night’s Portola Park workshop is any indication, the Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) has got its mojo back. On top of the spectacular opening of the Sports Park just 2 weeks ago, the excellent workshop conducted by RJM Design is the cherry on top of a delicious City cake.

More than 30 residents showed up to plan for the 5 acre City park to be built at the western edge of the Portola Center located on the south side of Glenn Ranch Road, near the intersection of Saddleback Ranch Road. This was the first of a series of workshops, and the second is set for January.

Pictured above, Foothill resident Tracey Tingley leads a discussion.

Most participants came from Portola Hills and Foothill Ranch, but there was a sprinkling of people from all parts of the City, including Lakes 1 and 2. About a dozen City staff were there including PRC Commissioners Rosenberg, Herrin, and Werkmeister along with Director Magill. Deputy City Manager Dave Belman was also in attendance and gave the opening remarks.

After several warm up exercises, the residents broke up into 5 groups and eventually came up with a list of amenities for the park, but more importantly, some dimensions were elucidated for considering what amenities to select. Here’s my summary of the major ideas put forward

DIVERSITY

With the opening of the Sports Park, Lake Forest now has lots of sports fields along with the two dozen plus parks. So a new city park should offer amenities not otherwise being offered in the City.

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

Given the space which is going to be converted to a park, many residents wanted to keep the natural setting, to the extent that it’s possible. In addition, this setting will have spectacular views, so the Park and the amenities should be designed to take advantage of the vista.

MULTI-PURPOSE

Where possible, the amenities should allow for multiple uses. For example, instead of a tennis court the park should have a court where you can plan tennis or pickleball.

ALL AGES

Most of the amenities in most of the parks cater to the younger generation and to active sports. But Lake Forest has an aging population, so where possible, recreational opportunities for older people should be considered.

AMENITIES

Here’s a list of some of the amenities that were proposed.

• · Dog park was the first choice of most of the attendees.
• · Lawn bowling was suggested for the older folks
• · A putting green offers good activity for all ages.
• · Archery was suggested as a good idea, as long as it wasn’t conducted in the dog park.
• · A combination tennis/pickleball court would allow all ages.

In addition, the group considered the usual picnic areas, shade structures, rest rooms, open space, etc.

NEXT STEP

The consultants are going to put together a preliminary plan based on the input from this workshop, and in January we’ll get the chance to review and modify.

Meanwhile, the consultants will get everyone up to speed by posting a copy of the fly-over presentation that will really take your breath away. I’ll let you know when it’s available.