Sports

Foundation Formed For Wildomar's Marna O'Brien Park

Marna O'Brien, the largest of the city's three parks, is getting support from Wildomar Pop Warner and Wildomar Little League, and to date the park remains open to the public.

Despite lack of city funds, two Wildomar parks continue to remain open with help from the community.

The parks’ closure has loomed since June 7 when . The ballot initiative had asked city property owners to incur a $28 annual special assessment to pay for the three city parks. Without funding, city officials have maintained there is no funding available for the parks.

But residents and business owners have stepped up.

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, the largest of the city’s three parks, is getting support from Wildomar Pop Warner and Wildomar Little League, and to date the park remains open to the public.

The two sports leagues are in the process of finalizing a contract with the city that allows them to lease the park. The leagues are also in the process of completing non-profit tax status for their foundation called Friends For Wildomar Parks, said Juan Coria, president of Wildomar Pop Warner.

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“We hope to have everything complete within 90 days,” Coria explained.

The foundation was established to help pay for maintenance at Marna O’Brien. It is hoped that expenses like water, landscaping, repairs, electricity, trash and graffiti removal will be covered under the foundation.

But are currently chipping in to make up the difference. With the exception of water and electricity, young athletes and parents are volunteering their time to maintain Marna O’Brien, Coria said.

Eventually Marna’s fields will probably be fenced from the public, but leagues interested in utilizing them will have the option of subleasing, Coria added.

“It’s the only place kids have to practice in Wildomar,” he said.

Residents can expect fundraising events throughout the year as well, with proceeds benefiting Friends For Wildomar Parks. The next event, scheduled Sept. 10 at Marna O’Brien, invites residents to enjoy dinner and a movie under the stars ( for more information).

While has been closed off to public access, the city is still hopeful that an agreement might be reached with the

Heritage is located next to and although the park is closed to the public indefinitely, the city and school officials are in discussion about providing park access to students for entry to and from school.

Over at , Adams Landscaping has donated its maintenance services while the city works with residents on a long-term solution. In the meantime, the park remains open.

For more information about contributing to Friends For Wildomar Parks, contact Juan Coria at jcoria1@yahoo.com or call 951-219-0948. For inquiries about Windsong or Heritage parks, contact Wildomar Community Services Director Paula Willette at 951-677-7751 x206.


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