Plan Now For A Park Next To Ronald Reagan Elementary In Wildomar

Has anyone planned what to do with the 22 acres of county-owned land near Ronald Reagan Elementary School in Wildomar? The city wants the land to build a park, but it first has to meet certain requirments set forth by the county. What to do in the meantime? Here are some suggestions:

First off, name the park “Ronald Reagan” for the temporary duration of time that it takes to decide its future. Once the city takes possession of the park then it can be renamed by the majority vote of the citizens.

Has anyone placed on paper the proposed uses for the park, not only for the general public, but also for private and commercial affairs and parties? For example, no charge for daily use by the local citizens, but a small clean-up type fee for use if rented for parties of 25 or more (constraints and restrictions to be determined by the city officials). I would assume that for the general public daily use there would be no charges or fees. However, for other uses, fees and charges could be applied that would help to generate funds to help make the park self-sustaining. Of course, donations and contributions will always be accepted. Depending on the size of the donation, maybe a building, a bicycle, walk or running path, or even a garden, could be named after the beneficiary. Name imprinted bricks could be implanted on pathways for a contribution. A memorial wall could be built with donations based on the same type method as the floor pavers.

Solar panels and wind turbines could be used to keep future energy costs to a minimum.

Charges and fees would be applied to maintaining the landscape and gardens, for watering (recycled water) of the greens, gardens and trees (for shade), for repair of structures, tables, seating, chairs, benches, maintenance shed, restroom facilities, etc. 

Uses of the land could include areas for soccer, football and baseball fields, tennis courts, with small bleachers or stands for spectators, as well as areas for senior citizens for bocce ball, horseshoes, and other activities. Let us not forget lighted walkways and running paths for those (and pets) needing exercise and wanting to stay in shape. For the children there could be a round slab with a map of the United States and small outlets for water fountains on the slab floor for playing in the water on the hot days. (Also, available for adult use.)

A small building for a community center, senior center and childcare facility could be built to function as an operations center for the park and its activities. Local volunteers could be used to operate the center, with city guidance. 

One day a week an area could be set aside for use as a Farmers Market providing a needed service to the citizens. Throughout the rest of the year, other schools, organizations, churches, civic groups, pet groups and others could use the facilities for their charity events and bazaars.

There are several holidays throughout the year -- and many other days that are celebrated -- where the park area could be used to host those type events.  Example: Fourth of July, frog jumping, Halloween costumes, Thanksgiving events, holiday spirit activities, renaissance faires, street fairs, parades, chili cook-offs, employment fairs, chamber of commerce events, breakfast meals by groups like the fire department or Lyons clubs, etc.

There should be no problem in estimating projected income and expenditures for the park, thus determining what the annual estimated cost of operating the park would be. Once all the information is known, then obtaining support or non-support should be easy.

The local schools could rent part of the facilities during the school year for school activities, whether sports or gardening, whatever. 

Senior citizens and unemployed could provide volunteer, non-physical, security services during the day.  

I for one would like to have the park and would like to see it as self-sufficient as possible. Last restriction would be like Las Vegas:  “All the funds received at the park, stay in the park.”