25-Acre Sports Park Celebrated Saturday In Temescal Valley

Riverside County Supervisor Bob Buster is welcoming hundreds of guests to the grand opening of the today.

The sprawling $9.7 million park offers recreational opportunities including a dog park, walking trails, ball fields, basketball courts, children’s play areas and water features for splashing. Buster is expected to announce plans for an immediate 10-acre expansion of the park at Saturday’s opening.

“I am extremely pleased to see this park in the beautiful Temescal Valley. Parks unite communities and provide centerpieces for recreation, relaxation and celebrations. They are unique places that reflect their communities and the interests of local residents,” Buster said, adding that Temescal Valley has three acres of park space for every 1,000 residents, an amount of park space that surpasses many jurisdictions.

Buster named the park for the late Joyce Deleo, founder of the Temescal Heritage Foundation and the annual Temescal Valley Community Faire. Joyce also served on the Lee Lake Water District Board since 1987. She was an original member of the Temescal Valley Municipal Advisory Council, which Buster established in 1998.

The Chivas USA Soccer Team will offer a free clinic to the first 100 children at Saturday’s celebration, in addition to a free autograph session and raffle for game tickets. A barbecue, face painting, crafts, music and other activities will go on throughout the day. At 3 p.m. the Lake Elsinore Storm’s mascot, Thunder, will make a special appearance. A BMX pro trick team will perform between 4p.m. and 6 p.m. The popular movie “The Lorax” will be shown in the park at dusk.

“I've lived in the Temescal Valley since 1990 and the Deleo Park will be a beautiful enhancement,” said Tony Poidmore. "The established sports teams will be excited to have lit fields and the skate park will also provide a fun amenity for older kids.” 

The park is located at 25655 Santiago Road. Festivities begin at 2 p.m. All activities are free and open to the public.