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Resident urges commission to restore funding priority for La Mancha Park playground
Summary
Craig Erickson, a 15‑year Mission Viejo resident, urged the commission to reinstate and fund a long‑delayed La Mancha Park playground project he said was first requested in 2013 and previously ranked #13 on the CIP; he recommended council advocacy for funding and initiation of design work.
During the public‑comment period, Craig Erickson described a years‑long effort to secure a playground at La Mancha Park and asked the commission to revisit its prioritization on the city’s capital improvement program (CIP).
Erickson said the request dates back to 2013, was worked through the CIP process and reached rank 13 before later delays, including the COVID‑era changes to priorities. He told commissioners La Mancha Park is roughly five acres with about two acres of flat, usable land and that it is currently the only neighborhood park in Mission Viejo without dedicated play equipment. "Every neighborhood park except for 1 has play elements in Mission Viejo. That's La Mancha Park," Erickson said, adding that families in the nearby multifamily developments lack private outdoor space and would benefit from a walkable play area.
Erickson requested three actions: reinstate the project as a priority in the CIP; advocate to City Council for funding in the upcoming budget cycle; and initiate a path forward for design and implementation. He told the commission he had circulated a petition in 2020 that collected more than 100 signatures but that the effort stalled afterward. The commission thanked Erickson for the input and staff offered to answer follow‑up questions outside of the meeting.
No formal action on La Mancha Park was taken at the meeting; Erickson’s comments will be part of the public record and can inform future CIP discussions and budget deliberations.
