Santa Ana is a dense, large city—about 80 percent Hispanic. For decades its parks were underfunded, leaving many parks with aging, worn amenities. And other areas without any greenspace at all. Community groups and residents—including lower income and culturally diverse families in the central city—demanded improvements. And the City responded.

It began its first Parks Master Plan for parks, facilities, trails, programs and open space during the pandemic, while also updating the Open Space Element of its General Plan.

The master plan process brought together the City and its residents, community-based organizations, neighborhood groups, and traditionally underrepresented cultural and socio-economic groups. An initial prioritization discussion was cross-checked through a park equity and access analysis that identified the characteristics of park-deficient and park-poor areas. 

The new capital improvement and operations plan, plus recommendations for impact fees and other funding, positioned City staff to leverage California’s Proposition 68 funds, Cannabis Public Benefit funds, and other City resources.

The City can now more easily acquire, develop and improve its parks. It rapidly opened two new parks, the City’s first dog park and universal playground, and six new splash pads, along with enhanced trail and park security lighting. It has also mapped out trail opportunities to improve community walkability and access to the Santa Ana River. The City’s fast action showed its responsiveness in providing equitable and inclusive recreation opportunities for everyone.