Foothill Ranch announces sports park upgrades and new pickleball courts

The Traffic and Parking Meeting held on March 3, 2025, in Lake Forest City, Orange County, focused on various improvements to parks and traffic infrastructure within the community. The meeting outlined several key projects aimed at enhancing recreational facilities and traffic flow.

The first major topic discussed was the conversion of one of the hockey rinks in Foothill Ranch into a box lacrosse rink. This change is part of a broader initiative to upgrade sports facilities, which includes replacing the synthetic turf at the Sports Park, a project that has been planned after ten years of use. Additionally, lighting improvements are set for Heroes Park, while Baker Ranch will also see new synthetic turf installed in grassy areas that have been difficult to maintain.

The meeting also highlighted the expansion of pickleball facilities. Two sand volleyball courts at El Toro Park will be converted into pickleball courts, and existing tennis courts at Pittsford Park will be restriped to accommodate additional pickleball courts. Furthermore, basketball courts at Fiddle Ranch, Baker Ranch, and Borrego Parks will be restriped to allow for more pickleball play, with users expected to bring their own nets.

In terms of traffic improvements, several projects were discussed, including the widening of the Bay Parkway and Toledo Road intersection, as well as enhancements to the Geronimo Road and Bay Parkway intersection. A significant project at Los Olisos and Maryland's is currently 65% designed, which will include dual left turn lanes. Synchronization projects on Irvine Boulevard and Bacon Rockfield were also mentioned as part of the traffic improvement efforts.

Additional park renovations were noted, including the restoration of Normandale Open Space following a brush fire, renovations to a Little League field at Heroes Park, and upgrades to city-wide restrooms in parks. The Edney Skatepark is also set for improvements, focusing on enhancing the building's functionality and the skate area to better suit current trends.

Lastly, aesthetic enhancements along Rockfield were proposed, targeting six intersections for potential beautification through painting or decorative structures, which would include street name displays.

Overall, the meeting underscored a commitment to improving both recreational spaces and traffic infrastructure, with multiple projects in various stages of planning and execution aimed at enhancing the quality of life for Lake Forest residents.