City thinking big with Community Center

Santa Clarita exploring buying 4 acres of land to increase size of a proposed facility in Canyon Country

The city of Santa Clarita is exploring the possibility of acquiring 4 acres of land to expand the size of the proposed Canyon Country Community Center site.

The city plans to build a new Community Center at the northeast corner of Sierra Highway and Soledad Canyon Road. Robert Mueting of RJM Design Group presented a preview of the updated master concept plan for the project Thursday evening at the Canyon Country Jo Anne Darcy Library Community Room.

The original plan was for approximately 6 acres, but the new plan includes the possibility of expanding to 10 acres. Park Development Administrator Tom Reilly said the plan includes the acquisition of five parcels of land from four different owners.

Mueting described the original proposal as having an hourglass shape, which he said makes it difficult for the pieces of the park to connect.

Mueting said the most significant piece is a parcel east of the proposed facility. The city has been working with the county’s Flood Control District on potentially adding the property because the land was formerly classified as a flood plain.

“We’re pretty optimistic about getting the flood control property. However, being a pessimist, I think we still need to remember it’s not ours yet,” Mueting said.

The preliminary plan includes a Community Center with a gymnasium, multipurpose room, computer technology room, arts and crafts classroom, fitness, reception area, offices and kitchen. The park area outside the facility includes multipurpose spaces and a playground.

Under the updated proposal, parking would go from 150 to 242 spaces. A section of Soledad Canyon Road would also be widened to improve traffic.

The project designers are hoping to incorporate the local businesses – Eternal Art Tattoo, Toppers Pizza, Casa Vieja and Caruso’s II Restaurant – into the plans, especially with parking.

“We’re not trying to push anyone away. We’re trying to be good neighbors,” Mueting said of the surrounding businesses.

Residents who spoke at the meeting had concerns about traffic and how the park would be funded, but most were in support of the project.

“I’m excited because they’re going to update Canyon Country,” said Sandra Wright, who said she has lived in Canyon Country more than 50 years. “I think it’s going to help Canyon Country more than anything else.”

Judy Taylour, who lives near the site, said she hopes the project does not hurt local businesses, but she supports the project.

“It would be very exciting if they can do the full plan,” Taylour said. “But I waited 20 years for a Toppers, and I hope they don’t leave.”

Rick Gould, parks director for the city, said they hope to have the project largely complete by 2020. The plan is expected to go before the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission next week and eventually must be approved by the City Council before design work can begin.