• Community Meeting 20 Acre Park Near Anne Sullivan

Brief recap of the recent community meeting regarding the recently acquired 20-acre parkland that is south and east of Anne Sullivan Preschool.

IF YOU'RE A MEMBER OF THE WILDOMAR CITY COUNCIL, THE BROWN ACT DEMANDS YOU CLICK OUT NOW. SORRY, IT'S THE LAW.

I don't know how to say this without sounding corny, so I'll just risk coming off as a cornball anyway. (lol)

Last night's meeting made me very proud to be a member of this community. 

It had pertinent and thorough information from the presenters, important and compelling questions from the participants, passion and compassion from the attendees, along with good decorum overall... people let people speak, even without the aid of a microphone, and staff listened and took notes. 

There was hardly any shushing at all 😄

To sum it up, I saw a lot of respect for the process and the individuals that make up our community of Wildomar.

Thank you to the lovely and gracious staff of Anne Sullivan Preschool for their kindness and hospitality in hosting this important and timely community meeting.

I streamed the meeting online from my city council Facebook page. (links below)

There was a hitch when I thought that it wasn't recording sound and I switched phones. That created a gap of about a minute between the two segments of video... which lasted for a total of two hours. It's amazing that my phone still had 24% at the end of it. 

As the elected representative of this area, I had two key takeaways

First, the proposed park entrance off Gierson needs to begin where it's currently a dead end, not at the end of a new turnaround as was seen in the concept drawings. Meaning, that's where the gate needs to be located. 

It would be a problem waiting to happen to push the end of Gierson without a gate that can be locked when the park is closed. 

We can't create a beautiful new park and also create an after-hours hangout and the same time. This is an easy problem to nip in the bud. 

Another concern that I heard was regarding the entrance(s).

In case anyone was wondering, those who live on Gierson, that were in attendance, are PRO park, they're just passionate about doing it right the first time.

Their concerns are potentially having but one entrance for a park that's sure to be popular in a city of 37,000, not to mention those from other parts of the region that would like a mini-version of the Santa Rosa Plateau to enjoy.

The most expedient way to open the park would be to start with the entrance off of Gierson, but, out of fairness for all (the nearby neighbors, and people from other parts of the city), both entrances need to come online at the same time.

We can be creative if need be, I have confidence in our staff to figure this out.

There were many good points made about issues regarding this and other future parks throughout the city. The thing we need to remember is that parks cost a lot of money to create. Even basic, passive parks, like the one we're speaking of here. 

Wildomar has had two completely-designed parks already approved that have been waiting for funding for many years now. 

One is a 27-acre park near Ronald Reagan Elementary, and the other is an 11-acre park near David A Brown Middle School. 

The vacant property to the south of DABMS

The vacant property to the south of DABMS

link to a page on the city website with further information about the 11-acre sportspark. LINK

The vacant property that wraps around RRE

link to a page on the city website with further information about the 11-acre LINK 

Below are the links to the live stream videos. 

I apologize if you don't have Facebook, but that was the only way I knew to be able to livestream the meeting.

Last thing, how to pay for it? 

Toward the end of the meeting, it was suggested to review item 3.2 from the December 2023 city council meeting to see various ways to fund the parks, in whole or in part.

Here's a link to the item from the December 2023 meeting going over different options to fund the parks. If this issue is important to you, even if that means you're against it, please take the time to get the information firsthand by watching it.

I'm still learning how to embed the new video format that the city has, so please follow the link... it's really easy.

Once you're on the page scroll to item 3.2 City of Wildomar New Parks Improvement Options and click it.

Link to city page with video of December 2023 meeting video

There will be a parks subcommittee meeting and a city council meeting where this will be discussed and further shaped. It's not too late for you to send in your views, either pro or con, to the city. 

Use this email and ask that it also be forwarded to the subcommittee members. 

wildomarpw@cityofwildomar.org

If you'd like to chat about city matters, let's set something up. Email is the best way to begin.

jmorabito@cityofwildomar.org

• City Council Meeting October 2020

Being that I was out of town for this Zoom meeting, and didn't have time directly afterward to write a blog... this edition will be somewhat scant compared to other City Council recaps.

For some reason, Councilman Joseph Morabito appeared to be more orange than President Trump at times. 😁

TOP NEWS FROM THE MEETING

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• New Businesses Ready to Open Shortly
• Canyon View Park Discussed Again
• Halloween Laser Show Sold Out

The biggest news, in my estimation, was learning about all the new businesses that are coming to Wildomar.

During EDD Kimberly Davidson's presentation we learned about several new businesses that are getting ready to open. Grocery Outlet (Clinton Keith Village), Dreamy Nails (Clinton Keith Village), All-Star Physical Therapy (Renaissance Plaza), WingStop (Wildomar Square), Accelerated Urgent Care (Wildomar Square), Palm Thai Cuisine (Wildomar Square), Montague Brothers Coffee.

This ownership group is looking to be a solid member of our Wildomar community. 

Located in Clinton Keith Village (where the new 7-11 is located).

Located across from Yellow Basket.

Located between Jersey Mikes and Dunkin Donuts.

Between Angelo's Brick Oven Pizzeria and Taco Bell.

A new family run coffee shop going in next to Los Molcajetes on Palomar.

I look forward to patronizing all the above businesses... save perhaps the urgent care. 😁

Canyon View Park (Pit Park)

Councilman Ben Benoit brought this subject up again. You many remember the 11 year old girl that spoke to the city council back in February of 2019. 

LINK TO BLOG ABOUT INDY

During a public comment, she spoke about the need for a park in her area, and that there was already a shuttered park right there.

"A lot of kids live here and we would love a place to run around and play. It would be really great if you would consider letting us build up this abandoned park into a useable space for us kids to play."           —Indiana Purkiss, February 13, 2019

There are no promises, and all good things in a city will cost money, but the first exploratory steps are being taken to see if anything can be done with this site for the betterment of the neighborhood and community. 

Of course there were plenty of other items discussed, but I suggest that you watch the video of the meeting to take them in... other than the city's Halloween event being sold out (though the cost was gratis).

There will be two showtimes for the Halloween laser light show that will accommodate about 80 cars each... but if you didn't get your tickets already, it's too late for this year. 

Perhaps there will be a way to live stream this on the city's Facebook page?

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“Be curious, not judgmental.”

– Walt Whitman

Wildomar Rap has mastered what the cat hasn't... not being curious, and hasn't lost the ability to be judgmental when necessary.

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• Installation of Shade Sails at Marna O’Brien & Windsong Parks

If you've been to either of the the two primary parks in Wildomar lately, you've noticed that the play area is fenced off. 

Work should be done by the end of January.

Installation of shade sails at Marna O’Brien Park & Windsong Park playground areas will start January 9, 2020 and is estimated to be complete by January 31, 2020.  Work hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Please keep a safe distance from the installation area and equipment.

Park access to residences will be maintained at all times (except in direct connection with shade installation at playground locations).  Please use caution when driving in the construction area and obey all construction signs, including the temporary “No Parking” signs and lane closures. 

One of the gazebos at Windsong park is also off limits at this time.

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I exist as I am, that is enough.
– Walt Whitman

It's amazing that Wildomar Rap exists at all.

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• All-Inclusive Picnic 2019

Wildomar's first ever All-Inclusive event was a big success with over 50 individuals with special needs and over 100 total attendees!

Listening to Hi Hopes after the meal.
Photo Courtesy Richard Deskin

Dinner was donated by Barons Market, thank you, and the music was performed by the band Hi Hopes. It just so happens that the musicians also have special needs.

To the right you can see the interpreter for the deaf.
Photo Courtesy Bridgette Moore

This keyboardist had it down.
Photo Courtesy Richard Deskin

The drummer didn't miss a beat.
Photo Courtesy Richard Deskin

Many loved the chance to dance in front of the stage.
Photo Courtesy Richard Deskin

Faith Bible Church brought their ice cream truck and handed out many frozen treats to the attendees. 

So many varieties, and all tasty.
Photo Courtesy Bridgette Moore

Also at the park was TapSnap —the fun photo experience, a craft table, and RTA had a booth, along with a bus, that was there to help those that would like a primer on how to ride the bus.

TapSnap gets ready to take a pic of the band. 

Painting rocks... or painting rocks!
Photo Courtesy Bridgette Moore

You can see the RTA bus in the background, and Wildomar city manager Gary Nordquist speaking with councilmember Joseph Morabito.

Photo Courtesy Bridgette Moore

This event couldn't have happened without the passion of city council member Bridgette Moore. For a year or more she's been volunteering with the High Hopes program in Temecula and wanted to bring similar opportunities to Wildomar.

Recreational opportunities should be available to all our residents and the Inclusion Picnic in the Park provided social interaction with their peers. 

After I volunteered for the High Hopes program, it was suggested to have an outdoor picnic event. I proposed the event to our city and obtained sponsorships. The Inclusion Picnic in the Park was so successful that we want to make it annual event!
—Brigette Moore

I hope to see this become an annual event. If you are interested in either participating in this event, know of someone that would enjoy such an event, or would like to be a sponsor of it, please feel free to email the city. 

jmorales@cityofwildomar.org

Part of the obligation when being on city council, being silly at park events.
L to R: Joseph Morabito, Bridgette Moore, Jessie Taylor and Marsha Swanson.

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One man with courage is a majority.
– Dale Carneghie

Wildomar Rap questions Mr. Carneghie's math, but admires his moxy in so stating it.

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• Double Dose of Fun at Wildomar Egg Hunts (2019)

Were you at either the morning Eggstravagana or the nighttime teen egg hunt? 

The technique was the same, just the ages were different.

Both were a great time for the many that attended. 

The under ten kids ruled the day...

...the teens ruled the night.

There were no official head counts, but it's safe to say that several hundred attended both. The teen event was a first for Wildomar and if you take a look at the short video, you'll get a feel for how many kids were out looking for glow in the dark eggs and what the vibe was like. 

After about 10 minutes of combing through the grass, the lights were turned on to glean what was missed, or clean up any broken plastic eggs.

This area was set aside for egg hunters with the special needs. In the teen event, special needs kids got a couple minute head start if they were accompanied with a parent or guardian. 

The daytime event had a bounce house, craft area, glitter art, and face painting.

Kids love getting their faces painted.

The evening event had cornhole, giant sized Jenga and Tap Snap.

Keith Jared of Tap Snap calibrates his magical machine.

The park event season is just getting underway for 2019, be sure to sign up for city emails to be alerted. LINK TO SUBSCRIBE

You can also follow the city's facebook page: LINK TO FB PAGE

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Nothing valuable can be lost by taking time.
– Abraham Lincoln

Wildomar Rap thinks Abe must not have been to too many egg hunts in his day, or doesn't value Tootsie Rolls, Smarties or m&m's.

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• Community Spirit: Indy Purkiss

Let me introduce you to a remarkable young person named Indiana, Indy for short. 

She's a 10 year old Wildomar resident, student at Ronald Reagan Elementary and first came across my radar when she delivered a public comment to the city council in February 2019. 

Indiana Purkiss as seen from the dias.

Her cause deals with a park in her neighborhood that has been closed longer than she's been alive.

This was taken during the height of our rains this year. 

She'd like to see it reopened. Below are the highlights of her public comment.

My brother and I want to redo it (Canyon View Park) but we need to get your permission first. Our plan is to organize some neighborhood cleanup weekends where we can: 

1) sweep and repaint the basketball court; 

2) cut and pull out all the weeds in the grass and make it look nice; 

3) clean up the whole hill and make it look nice; 

4) pay for and put together a playground and a basketball hoop; 

5) invite friends and family to come and play at the park. 

Pretty cool, huh? I just need your permission for a cool park in our neighborhood.

April, Indy, Dallas and Matt Purkiss

We don't have any parks in our neighborhood, and it would be really cool to have one. A lot of kids live here and we would love a place to run around and play. It would be really great if you could consider letting us build up this abandoned park into a useable space for us kids to play. I look forward to hearing from you.

-Indy Purkiss, February 13, 2019 

Take a look at the two and a half minute video below, it takes a lot of courage to speak in public, especially when it's in front of elected officials.

Wanting to know more of the history of the shuddered park, I was directed to John Lloyd, a longtime champion of Wildomar parks. 

He gave me a brief overview as he remembers it. Note, he refers to it as "The Pit Park".

Ah The Pit!

The County accepted a Flood Control Basin as a park in the late 80’s early 90’s. Developers for County communities were allowed to free wheel and cut corners frequently.

If you take Canyon Ranch Road off of Bundy to the north and follow it all the way up to Gafford Road, then turn left and go a block to Great Falls Road you are at the corner of The Pit Park.

You can see the walking trail that goes around the lower park, but is fenced off.

There used to be a walking trail around the top of the pit and a basketball ½ court with picnic tables down in the bottom.

The old Parks system used to maintain the park and people used it all the time. I tried unsuccessfully to get the walking path at the top re-opened but I was shut down each time.

The walking trail.

When Supervisor Buster couldn’t get his additional park tax in the late 90’s he threatened and eventually closed the parks. Huge mistake. Since the parks were closed all forms of park funding were revoked, tightening the budget would have fixed the issue but he was determined to make a point, we all paid that price.

Flood control took over the Pit since there were no park funds to keep it safe and the area needed to have a good working flood control basin. At the same time all the other parks were fenced and closed.

A look at the basketball court from beyond the double fencing.

Later, Flood control refused to return the park to the community. They felt it was not a safe location for a park and at the time they wanted the County to take over all responsibility for it if it was re-opened as a park. The County backed off and in no time at all the Pit became a graffiti nightmare.

Later when we became a City I asked to see about getting it re-opened but City Council wouldn’t support the idea because the cost to maintain it wasn’t included in the park tax and being a flood control basin the maintenance can be pretty heavy.

I still think it should be re-opened if possible. The community has nothing in that area and folks used to really appreciate that little park.

So that’s the history of The Pit Park.

Where there's a will, there's a way. I've heard reports of homeless activity in the park and in one of the other photos above you can see bike jumps. The fence is only keeping regular folks from using it.

I don't know what can be done about this long closed park, but I think it's worth asking. If this is something that interests you, consider emailing the city with your thoughts on it. 

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Keep your face always toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you.
– Walt Whitman

Wildomar Rap would have to wear a hat and sunglasses to follow this advice... I hate squinting.

This blog was produced for viewing on a desktop or a laptop. Though it's been optimized for smartphones, the formatting can look odd on a smartphone or if you get this delivered through email (such as missing video links). Link to proper format.