Vista City Council Purchases New Park Land

At a special meeting held on August 28, 2023 the Vista City Council voted unanimously to proceed with the purchase of the property located at 536 Matagual Dr. in Vista at their agreed upon sales price. The property was previously pursued by the cities economic development department for a hotel development and was voted down by a previous council. Council Members Dan O’Donnell & Joe Green reached out to the property owners earlier this year to see if they would entertain a sale as park land.

City Manager John Conley negotiated a sales price on behalf of the city of 2.1M, which was well below the sellers list price of 3.8M. Although purchasing park land is one of the city councils eight goals, this is the 1st parcel purchased in decades. After reviewing the appraisal report which came in with 2 separate evaluations, (1 as a single family residence at 1.385M and the other re-zoned C-1 at 2.425M) the council voted unanimously to proceed with closing on August 30, 2023 as agreed at their previouslu agreed upon sales price of 2.1M. The sale requires a deed restriction be attached which requires the parcel to remain as “PARK LAND” for the City of Vista in perpetuity. Councilmember Joe Green said, “This is a historic day for our city. This is the first council ever to proactively seek out park lands for purchase, and make it a reality for Vistans. This property will be part of our city parks Master Plan, and will become whatever the citizens of Vista want it to be.” The cities park Master Plan is currently in process and will require a number of community meetings to determine what the priorities are for Vistas park lands. For more information go to www.cityofvista.com to stay informed on upcoming meetings and community engagement opportunities.