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Santa Fe Springs Council reviews draft Parks and Recreation Master Plan, staff flags 33‑acre long‑term deficit
Summary
City staff presented a draft Parks, Recreation and Community Services Master Plan, citing 471 statistically valid survey responses and noting current strong park access but a projected deficit of about 33 acres at full buildout; staff will return later in 2026 with final recommendations.
The Santa Fe Springs City Council on Tuesday heard a presentation of the draft Parks, Recreation and Community Services Master Plan that staff called a 10‑year roadmap for parks, facilities and programs.
Parks and Recreation Director Gus Hernandez said the plan, which began in April 2025, is intended to guide short‑, mid‑ and long‑term decisions and balance infrastructure needs with financial sustainability. "This is a road map that guides short, mid, and long term decisions related to parks, facilities, and to our programs," Hernandez said.
Why it matters: staff reported that access to parkland in Santa Fe Springs is generally strong and that most residential areas are within a 10‑minute walk of a park today, but growth projected under the city’s general plan will create service pressures. Hernandez said the city currently oversees seven parks, five parkettes, an aquatic center, a community garden, indoor facilities and the historic Clark Estate and reported a 2023 population of about 19,000 and an existing average of roughly 4.57 acres of park space per 1,000 residents.
Key findings and proposals: staff said engagement included pop‑ups, workshops, focus groups and a community survey that produced 471 statistically valid responses. Residents ranked splash pads, walking paths and trails, updated play areas and dog parks among top priorities. The draft plan identifies a future shortfall of about 33 acres of parkland by full buildout and proposes vision‑level concepts — not final designs — such as Aquatic Center phase‑2 renovations, expanded athletic fields and parking at Lake Center Athletic Park, synthetic turf and expanded activity areas at Los Nietos Park, and potential expansion of public access and event space at the Clark Estate including an amphitheater concept.
Next steps: Hernandez said staff will continue community engagement, host a third public workshop in 2026 to present final recommendations and return to the council later in the year with a recommended adoption package. He encouraged residents to provide suggestions via the project website and city social channels.
Council reaction: multiple council members praised staff and volunteers for outreach and presentation. Council members asked operational questions about staffing and recruitment timelines for parks positions; Hernandez noted positions are currently open and staff will host a hiring expo and job fair.
The council did not take action on the draft plan at the meeting; the item will return for final recommendation and potential adoption later in 2026.
