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Council questions parks district takeover of Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center; calls for legal review
Summary
Council members criticized Harupa Area Recreation and Park District’s process to assume operation of the Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center, directed city attorney to review the city’s agreements with the parks district and report back; council voiced concern about transparency and long-term stewardship.
Jurupa Valley council members on May 15 sharply questioned the process by which the Harupa Area Recreation and Park District (JARPD) moved to assume operations of the Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center, and the council voted to ask the city attorney to prepare a briefing on the city’s legal and financial relationships with the parks district.
During a lengthy council discussion the mayor said the parks district and the discovery‑center board moved quickly and without coordinating with the city. “I think it’s deplorable and disgusting that the parks department… had no interest in working with the city,” the mayor said, criticizing the district’s speed and private board disclosures.
Council members raised concerns about long‑term stewardship and the parks district’s capacity to operate the center, noting nearby parks with maintenance and infrastructure deficits. Council members also discussed public funding sources used to support park infrastructure, the revenue neutrality payment the city makes to Riverside County and how funds flow from development agreements to special districts and park providers.
After discussion a motion to have the city attorney examine the city’s agreements and funding relationships with the Harupa Area Recreation and Park District and return to council with findings was seconded and passed with four votes in favor and one abstention (Mayor Pro Tem Barajas abstained). Council directed staff to bring back an agenda item explaining how park-related developer fees and other agreements are handled and what alternatives the city might consider.
City leaders said they are not yet taking legal action to block the parks district’s action but intend to analyze the legal documents and funding arrangements to determine options.
