Park Project Overview

Some Background and History
Glen Avon Heritage Park is a 13-acre piece of land owned by CCAEJ on Mission Blvd. between Pyrite and Camino Real across from the new high school. It will include restrooms, concession stands and a park office. The land was purchased as part of our Glen Avon Revitalization Project.  It is deed-restricted to be a community park and, after development, will be donated to the Jurupa Parks and Recreation District for ongoing operation and maintenance. Groundbreaking ceremonies were held April 21st, 2002.  The whole Jurupa area--especially Glen Avon--is short on parks and recreational facilities for our families.  The park is a means to improve our community's appearance, property values, and provide some needed recreational amenities.  Communities are more than just a clumping of buildings--they are places where families can come together, socialize, and share common interests.  Every bit of open space we can hold onto helps to maintain the rural lifestyle for which so many of us move here. 

Funding for the park development has been made available through a Murrey-Hayden State Park Grant and a partial settlement with the State of California in the Stringfellow case. With over $2 million dollars to develop the park, our plans and dreams of creating this park property are well on their way to becoming a reality. The target date for completion of the entire project is March 1, 2007.

Helping to make the park a reality are Park Committee Members Karen Bradford, Deenaz Coachbuilder, Wendy Eads, Pip Reaver, Linda Spinney, Bev Huber, Dorothy Brown, Dan Rodriguez (JARPD), Frank Guerrero (JARPD), Rene Chavez, Sally Merha, and Betty Stinson.  Consultants: Community Works Design Group – Tim Maloney and Bob Fawcett. (Drawing of the Entire Park - 86 kB)

The Family Park Area
Current plans call for the Glen Avon Heritage Park to consist of 6 sections. The main portion, fronting Mission Blvd., is a flat area of about 7 acres where a family park is planned with picnic tables and a multi-purpose grass field for kite flying, Frisbee throwing, or informal soccer and baseball games. There will also be volleyball and half-court basketball, a bandstand for summer concerts and events, playground equipment, and lots of places for family events and picnics under large shade trees. (Drawing of Family Park Area - 59 kB)

Water Playground
A special feature for the Glen Avon Heritage Park will be a water playground with dancing fountains, water cannons, dumping buckets and other water spray activities. This unique feature will be the first in the area and provide water play for local residents. (Drawing of Water Playground - 79 kB)

The Cesar Chavez Community Garden
Started as part of an after school program, the Cesar Chavez Community Garden is designed to give students at local schools a place to learn about nature and grow their own produce. Funding for the project comes from the Governor’s Cesar Chavez Day of Learning and Service Grant, a program designed to instill in children and communities the values and beliefs of Cesar Chavez in community service and to actively involve students in service to others. (Drawing of Cesar Chavez Community Garden - 29 kB)

Victorian Garden
The Victorian Garden is located in front of and adjacent to Glen Avon’s historical feature – an 1889 Victorian Home owned by Linda Spinney. The Victorian Garden is designed as a quiet, reflective area with flower beds, shaded walking paths and seating areas, and a large decorative water fountain. (Drawing of Victoria Garden Area - 49 kB)

Hiking Trails
The hilly terrain surrounding the park provides opportunities for hiking trails. Traversing the hilly, natural setting, the trails offer either an easy stroll through the native plant setting or a more challenging hike up and down the hills. Designed by local residents, Bev Huber and Dorothy Brown, the trails have received assistance in maintenance from local Boy Scout troops.

Camping Area
Another unique feature of the park grounds is a campground. Offering local youth an opportunity for outdoor camping experience the campground is located in the northern section of the property and will feature an outdoor amphitheater for campfire programs. As we get closer to construction of this area, input will be sought from local girl and boy scout troops as well as other youth groups. (Drawing of Camping Area - 50 kB)

Bicycle BMX Track
Another feature at the park is a bicycle BMX tract located on the north western portion of the property. Detailed designs will be developed based on input from local youth. (Location of Planned BMX Track - 28 kB)

Practice Soccer Field
Another active feature is the soccer field for practice by small children. This is located near the BMX track but on the south side of the irrigation canal and near the grass volleyball area.

Other Sections of the Park
There will be an outdoor amphitheater. (Drawing of the Amphitheater Area - 17 kB)

Just northeast of the park, overlooking the park and the entire valley, is the Stringfellow Archives and Environmental Education Center.  This building serves as CCAEJ's office and will house the pictures, documents, and records of the 25-year battle on the Stringfellow Acid Pits. (Drawing of CCAEJ office area - 30 kB).