Ontario highlights youth programs, festival plans and upcoming restaurant openings

Mayor Kris Knapp and Recreation Director Kenn Spencer used the May 12 meeting to highlight community events and youth involvement. The Splash Pad is due to open the weekend following the meeting; Pioneer students and the Ontario Leadership Group recently completed volunteer projects including mulch and litter pickup. The city will partner with local schools to repaint 22 fire hydrants and display veteran banners along Lex-Springmill.

Spencer described the three-day 4th of July Festival schedule — a band and car show on Friday evening, a 5K and an electric car raffle on Saturday (last year $4,200 was awarded to pageant contestants), and fireworks sponsored by the Niss family on the final night — and said volunteers are needed. He also announced Summer Rec staffing interviews, Concerts in the Park programming, and a new traveling pickleball league involving Ontario and neighboring towns.

Zoning Inspector Benji Hall provided tentative opening dates for several restaurants: East of Chicago (weekend of June 7), Raising Cane’s (July 4 weekend), Wing Stop (Aug. 1), and Starbucks (Labor Day weekend). Hall displayed the zoning map and explained district types.

During public comment students asked about the Cheddar’s building (the owner did not extend its lease; a proposed GetGo plan was halted) and plans for youth gathering spaces at the Ontario Center; council said the owner is working on plans. Council also noted that a previously proposed community pool and center was not accepted by voters, but that a pool remains a potential longer-term project.

The meeting included recognition of local volunteers and student projects: Thatcher Samuels’ Eagle Scout fitness-area project in Marshall Park and Zachery McChristy’s hydrant artwork. Daisy Loper served as Mayor for the Day and was sworn in by Law Director Andrew Medwid.