Parks director outlines upgrades: Huntington Fields conversion to soccer, pond improvements, pools and pickleball nearing completion

Parks and Recreation Director Danny Diaz reported a series of maintenance and improvement projects the department has completed or is advancing, including converting Huntington Field from a baseball diamond to a soccer field currently being used by the Red Crown soccer team.

Diaz said the parks maintenance crew includes 29 employees (1 park superintendent, 1 parks ground supervisor, 2 maintenance technicians, 21 groundskeepers and 4 part‑time maintenance workers). He listed the department’s responsibilities: 28 parks, 40 canal banks, 15 right‑of‑way islands, 39 sports fields, 26 miles of multi‑use trails and 20 city buildings.

On Huntington Field staff repaired locker rooms, the press box, merchandise room, VIP area and restrooms; they pressure‑washed the facility and cleared overgrown trees and addressed erosion around the pond. Diaz said staff will install a pond fountain, renovate a pier (currently out of service for ADA reasons) and add shaded structures, benches and duck feeders near the pond. He said the…