Menifee Buys 398 Acres To Preserve As Permanent Public Open Space

MENIFEE, CA — Last week, the Menifee City Council unanimously approved the purchase of 398 acres of land on the city's east side.

The city — one of the fastest-growing in California — promises the land will serve as permanent public open space.

The 19 parcels that make up the 398 acres, commonly known as Menifee Hills, are located on the east side of the city, west of Menifee Road, north of Aldergate Drive, east of Antelope Road, and south of McCall Boulevard.

The $1,150,000 purchase price paid by the city is below market value and represents a good investment, according to the city's assessment.

"Providing more recreational opportunities and preserving open space have been frequent requests we continue to receive from the community," said Menifee Mayor Ricky Estrada. "This land purchase presented a historic opportunity to accomplish both these objectives and ensure that these hills remain untouched by development."

The Menifee Hills are visible for miles around and offer panoramic views of the valley. According to the city, the location offers opportunities for eco-tourism and active recreational activities, including hiking and mountain biking. The site location also presents an opportunity to support the extension of the Salt Creek Trail between Antelope Road and Aldergate Drive.

City staff is assessing enhancements to the property that support both the city’s Strategic Plan and Parks Master Plan. Any proposed improvements would be presented for consideration as part of a future update to the city’s Capital Improvement Program and will include opportunities for the public to provide input, according to the city.

Funding for the purchase was made available through a one-time community benefit as part of the Commerce Pointe Development Agreement for public facilities. The Commerce Pointe Development was initially proposed in the late 2000s. It consisted of two industrial parks featuring 51 concrete tilt-up buildings. The project applicant had agreed to designate 2,548 acres in the southern portion of the project site as open space.