Plans Unveiled for Randall Preserve in Costa Mesa

News Summary

After nearly three decades of efforts from conservationists, the transformation of a former oil field into Randall Preserve in Costa Mesa is on the horizon. Initial plans invite public input, aiming to restore habitats for 18 species and preserve culturally significant sites. Open houses are scheduled to gather community feedback, with phased public access expected. Cleanup from former oil operations is set to conclude by 2026. The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority will manage the preserve, promoting community involvement and environmental restoration.

Exciting Plans Unveiled for Randall Preserve in Costa Mesa

In the sunny city of Costa Mesa, conservationists have been hard at work for nearly three decades, eagerly transforming a once-bustling, 387-acre oil field into a beautiful and protected green space. This long-awaited project, located at the border of Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, and Newport Beach, is finally coming to life under the moniker Randall Park.

Initial Plans Are Here!

Recently, a coalition of agencies released the initial plans for this remarkable Randall Park and is inviting everyone to chime in with their thoughts. If you want to get in on the action, you can find all the detailed documents at RandallPreserve.org. The proposals aim to strike a delightful balance between restoring habitats for 18 sensitive or threatened species, reclaiming culturally significant sites reserved by the Tongva tribal government, and ensuring public access to these beautiful grounds.

Right now, the planning process is in a public input phase that runs until July 14. After all these years of anticipation, hundreds of community responses flooded in prior to the release of the plans, with even more comments rolling in as folks began reviewing the details.

Community Engagement: Open Houses and More

To give the public the chance to further engage with the plans, an open house was held in Costa Mesa, drawing approximately two dozen attendees who were eager to see the proposed trails and entrances. The event featured engaging presentations, comment cards, and plenty of opportunities to connect with planners. Community member Bridget Gleason excitedly expressed her enthusiasm about the upcoming park, noting that her father was one of the original advocates for preservation efforts in the area.

But there’s more! Mark your calendars because there are two additional open houses planned. The first will take place on June 2 at the Norma Hertzog Center in Costa Mesa, followed by another on June 21 at the Newport Beach Civic Center. And if you need some help getting there, or if Spanish translation services are essential, be sure to RSVP!

Phased Access and Cleanup Process

When it comes to opening the preserve, it will be a phased process. Initially, a cozy 1-mile hiking loop near the eastern edge of the property will be accessible. However, before the public can step foot in this natural oasis, vital infrastructure needs to be put in place, such as restrooms and trash cans.

But wait—there’s more cleanup work that needs to happen! The former oil field operations require extensive cleanup, which includes chemical removal and decommissioning of old access roads. The good news? This cleanup process is expected to wrap up by 2026, with the formal decommissioning of the oil wells slated for completion by 2027.

A Bright Future Ahead

Once everything is set, the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) will take over the management of the Randall Preserve. This will mark an exciting first step for MRCA as it becomes their inaugural managed property in coastal Orange County, a place they’re sure to elevate.

The preserve will showcase unique habitats that include coastal and wetland areas, which are essential for the native wildlife that resides here. As part of the development process, seven indigenous tribes will participate in consultations on access and cultural engagement, ensuring that the community and the environment work in harmony.

The journey towards Randall Park is not just a story of conservation; it’s a testament to community involvement and environmental restoration. So, whether you’re a local resident or just love exploring parks, stay tuned—the promise of Randall Preserve is just around the corner!

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Additional Resources

• Los Angeles Times: Randall Open House
• Orange County Register: Community Input Sought for Future of Randall Preserve
• ABC7: SoCal’s Newest Coastal Park – Frank & Joan Randall Preserve
• Orange County Register: Randall Preserve Receives $600,000 State Grant
• Wikipedia: Randall Preserve