Council debates Del Norte Park funding amid Park Master Plan discussions

In a spirited West Covina City Council meeting on May 6, 2025, the focus was on the contentious future of Del Norte Park and its long-awaited dog park project. Council members debated the allocation of $1.3 million earmarked for park improvements, with strong opinions surfacing about the timing and necessity of the funding.

Councilwoman Diaz expressed concerns that proceeding with the dog park project was premature, suggesting that the city should wait for the completion of a comprehensive park master plan expected in late 2025. She argued that spending taxpayer money on a single park without a broader strategy could lead to wasted resources, especially when other parks also require attention.

In contrast, Councilmember Gutierrez passionately defended the project, highlighting that residents of District 1 had been waiting for over 15 years for promised improvements. He emphasized the importance of fulfilling commitments made to the community and criticized previous councils for neglecting the district's parks.

The discussion revealed a divide among council members, with some advocating for immediate action to improve Del Norte Park while others called for a more strategic approach that considers all parks in the city. The council ultimately decided to postpone the project until after the master plan is completed, allowing for community input and potentially leveraging additional funding opportunities.

The meeting also touched on the purchase of new fire department vehicles funded by AQMD grants, which was approved unanimously. This decision underscored the council's commitment to maintaining operational efficiency while also addressing environmental concerns through low-emission vehicles.

As the council moves forward, the fate of Del Norte Park remains uncertain, with the next steps hinging on the outcomes of the upcoming master plan and community feedback.