City Hosts Second Community Workshop for
Residents in Planning for Future Park

La Mesa, CA - On Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at 6 p.m., the City of La Mesa invites residents to participate in a workshop for the future 2.8 acre neighborhood park at the northwest corner of Waite Drive and Murray Hill Road. The hybrid workshop will be held in person at Helix Charter High School, Room 1300, and virtually on Zoom.
 
“This workshop will give residents an opportunity to get involved with the planning for this much-needed park,” said Sue Richardson, the City’s Director of Community Services. “Concept designs created using community input from the March 2022 workshop and amenities survey will be presented and refined.”
 
About the Workshop:
 
When:             Wednesday, June, 15, 2022, 6 p.m.
What:              Community Workshop (no registration required)
Where:            In-person at Helix Charter High School, Room 1300,
                        7323 University Ave., La Mesa, CA 91942 or virtual via Zoom
 
An opportunity to tour the future park site will also be offered on Saturday, June 18, 2022 from 10 a.m. to noon. For more information, visit the City’s website, or contact the City of La Mesa News Desk at 619. 667.1191 or email news@cityoflamesa.us.
 
Timeline of Project Site
 
In 2000 & 2011, the former County of San Diego facility known as the Lemon Grove Road Station underwent two separate environmental cleanups. In March 2012, the County of San Diego notified the City of La Mesa of the availability of the site, offering the option to purchase.  As part of its due diligence, the City of La Mesa hired an outside consultant to conduct an Environmental Site Assessment of the property to confirm there were no remaining hazardous materials. In July 2012, the site was purchased by the City for $650,000, over the course of four (4) years using park impact fees, which are designed to mitigate the impact of new development on municipalities, existing facilities and infrastructure for residential developments.
 
The 2012 City of La Mesa Parks Master Plan identifies this location as a viable option for a future park to partially address the City’s neighborhood park deficiency. In December 2021, the City received funding through the California State Department of Recreation Local Assistance Specified Grant program to create a master plan for the proposed park. The initial community workshop was held on March 16, 2022 to discuss conditions and future opportunities for the site. It was followed by a survey to gather community member’s priorities on desired amenities and character of the park.