By TR Robertson
Hundreds of officials and residents of Vista crowded into Vista’s newest park, Pala Vista Park, on Saturday to take part in the official Grand Opening of Vista’s 18th Park. As children raced around the park trying out the many new park apparatus, officials began the ceremonies to officially dedicate the park to the city and the residents. City Manager John Conley began the celebration by thanking those in attendance and listing the numerous people and organizations responsible for bringing the park to fruition. Ground was broken on June 9, 2021, to accomplish several of the priorities for the City Council, reducing blight in the city and adding additional park space. Vista Mayor John Franklin joined in congratulating the tremendous work done by the council and various city departments in working with the California Department of Parks and Recreation, who assisted with awarding the city a $2.3 million grant as part of the State’s Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program. It was pointed out that the true architects of Pala Vista Park were the residents who actively participated in community workshops, public forums, and other events in helping design, suggest and describe what the park should feature and eventually look like. Mayor Franklin mentioned the park is named from resident’s responses and a city-wide poll. Thanks were extended to the Vista Parks and Recreation Department for its guidance throughout the planning and development stages.
One unique addition to the park is the Little Free Library, donated by the County of San Diego, also made possible by the assistance of Orquidia Contreras and Nicole Diwag, from the Vista Library. They were in attendance handing out free books. The City’s Community Safety Commission will be the stewards of the park’s Little Free Library located in the northern corner of the park.
Next, the Mayor introduced City Council Members Deputy Mayor Corinna Contreras – District 1, Katie Melendez – District 3, and Daniel O’Donnell – District 4. Each council member thanked those in attendance and all groups responsible for designing, building, and assisting with the opening of the park as well as thanking the residents for all their assistance. Councilmember Joe Green – District 2 was out of town but also sent his regrets for not being able to attend. Mayor Franklin next introduced Lisa Tomas, Deputy District Superintendent of San Diego Coast District of the California Department of Parks and Recreation. Lisa spoke to the need for parks throughout California and especially in the cities and to the cooperation between the Vista City Council and the California Parks and Recreation Department in working to assist with the financing for the building of Pala Vista Park.
Various government representatives were present, each with proclamations for the city and the opening of Pala Vista Park. On hand were Jessica Ramirez, District Representative from the Office of Congressman Mike Levin; Nick from the Office of State Senator Catherine Blakespear; and Ryan Ewart, Director of Outreach from the Office of Assemblywoman Laurie Davies.
Before the Official Opening and Ribbon Cutting, the Mayor thanked the residents for putting up with the building process and thanked Mamas and Papas Restaurant, located across the street, for also putting up with the building process leading to the completion of the city’s 18th park. Mayor Franklin then invited his Council colleagues, other dignitaries, and all those in attendance to join him at the podium and in front of one of the park playground areas for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and to be in a picture of this historic day for the city. Everyone was invited to remain in the park to enjoy pizza from Mamas and Papas Italian Restaurant. A drone picture was also shot for the occasion. Mayor Franklin finished the ceremony by thanking those in attendance and reminding the residents of the city, especially those closest in proximity to Pala Vista Park, that this is their park, a park they should help monitor, a park they should help maintain and a park they should take pride in and ownership of in making it a park for families they should all be proud of.
Pala Vista Park is a one-acre park located at 234 Pala Vista Rd. Parking is available along Pala Vista Rd. Future plans for the park include the addition of bathroom facilities for the park. The City of Vista Parks are open from 7 am until dusk.
