Second Pool, More Athletic Courts Coming to Murrieta

Council members will vote on the second phase of , which is slated to bring improved recreation options to Murrieta residents.

A 37-acre Phase 2 of the park, if approved Tuesday by City Council, will include 12 outdoor lighted tennis courts, outdoor lighted volleyball and basketball courts, an indoor aquatics center, an extreme sports area for BMX riding, in-line skating and skateboarding, indoor gymnasium, separate dog parks for small and large dogs, a disc golf course, horse trailer parking for access to trails, a playground with a splash pad, picnic areas with barbecue grills, tables and shelter, and added walking/jogging trails, according to a staff report.

A 47-acre Phase 1 of the park opened in June 2009, and includes lighted soccer, baseball and football fields, three tot lots, restrooms, concession stands, parking, barbecue and picnic areas and a multi-use trail.

A pool at the park, though indoor, will provide residents a second community pool, as currently there is one community pool at California Oaks Sports Park.

The City first purchased the 251-acre parcel in 1996 for $1.6 million. Of that, 112 was put aside for habitat conservation and 55 acres were sold to the Murrieta Valley Unified School District to construct Vista Murrieta High School. The remaining 84 acres were used to house the park.

Phase 2 was put off until Phase 1 was entirely completed, according to a staff report. It was unclear from the report when the work would begin, or what the estimated costs were to construct Phase 2.

In evaluating what amenities Phase 2 should have, the City hired a third-party company to conduct a phone survey of 300 Murrieta residents. They also surveyed local sports leagues to evaluate what percentage of players resided in Murrieta, according the report.

The City states a goal of having recreation areas within one-half mile walking distance of all residents.