TO: HONORABLE CHAIR AND COMMISSIONERS OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
FROM: Lea Kolek, Parks and Community Service Manager
PREPARED BY: Lea Kolek, Parks and Community Service Manager
SUBJECT:
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Renaming Bear Valley Park 2 and Mapleton Trails
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RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Discussion relating to renaming Bear Valley Park 2 and all three trails in Mapleton tract.
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PRIOR ACTION/VOTE
On March 10, 1994, the Murrieta Parks and Recreation Commission adopted a policy for naming park and recreation facilities.
On April 5, 1994, the Community Services District Board ratified the Commission resolution adopting a policy establishing procedures for the naming of park and facilities.(Vote: 4-0).
On January 26, 2023, the Commission obtained consensus in requesting that a discussion of the department’s Park and Recreation Facilities Naming Policy be brought as an item on the agenda at their next meeting.
On May 4, 2023, the Commission appointed Commissioners Hunneman and Collopy as Ad Hoc Committee Members to participate in the review of the department’s Policy and return any recommendations or modifications back to the Board and staff (Vote: 4-0).
On March 7, 2024, the Commission heard the Committee’s recommended policy changes and unanimously recommended that staff present the updated Policy to the Board as proposed by the Park Naming Ad Hoc Committee (Vote: 4-0).
On August 20, 2024, the Community Services District Board of the Murieta Community Services District adopted Resolution No. CSD 24-282, which revised the Naming of Parks and Recreation Facilities Policy (Vote: 5-0).
CITY COUNCIL GOAL
Coordinate and deliver responsive, effective community services.
BACKGROUND
A clear and concise naming policy for parks and facilities is essential for fostering a strong sense of community identity and ensuring ease of navigation for residents and visitors alike. Well-thought-out names not only reflect the character and history of an area but also provide practical benefits by minimizing confusion and creating a unified framework for recognizing and locating public spaces. The Board’s past efforts to establish a consistent naming policy ensure that names are meaningful, relevant, and accessible, thereby enhancing the overall experience for those who utilize the City’s valued community resources.
Staff is bringing before the Board a request to rename Bear Valley Park 2 as well as three trails in the Mapleton tract.
Bear Valley Park 2
Bear Valley Park 1 and 2 were transferred from Riverside County when the City acquired oversight of the existing parks and common areas from County Service Area 143 on July 1, 1993, two years after the City’s incorporation. Bear Valley Park 1 already has existing monumentation displaying its name. Bear Valley Park 2 is located off Rustic Road and Calle Cipres to the south and Bending Oak Court to the north, in the Bear Valley tract. It is a passive park, approximately 4 acres in size, with a small, flat turf area and a grove of oak and pine trees. Other than a lone picnic area, there are no other notable amenities.
Suggested Park Names
• The “Rustic” Theme
o Rustic Field Park
o Rustic Oak Park
o Rustic Ridge Park
• The “Oak” Theme
o Englemann Oak Park
o Whispering Oaks Park
o Heritage Oak Park
• Oso Valle Park
Mapleton Trail A
This trail borders the mitigation area to the north of the Mapleton tract, with access from Whitewood Road (just before the Menifee city limits) as well as from several cul-de-sacs. It is straight except for an end loop for turning around. The cul-de-sacs are named after plants and flowers such as Cyclamen, Delphinium, Eugenia, Honeysuckle, Iris, Marigold, Nandina, Poppy, Shamrock Thyme, and Zinnia.
Suggested Trail Names
• Whitewood Channel Trail
• Channel Creek Trail
• Floral Loop Trail
• Garden Loop Trail
• Meadowview Loop
Mapleton Trail B
This trail loops around Mapleton Park. It is a "lollipop" trail where users start at one end, complete the loop, and return the way they came in, with access from both Shamrock and Poinsettia Streets.
Suggested Trail Names
• Mapleton Loop Trail / Mapleton Park Loop Trail
• Shamrock Loop Trail
• Poinsettia Loop Trail
Mapleton Trail C
This trail runs along a Southern California Edison easement, extending approximately 1,500 feet from Petunia Street to Poinsettia Street. It then crosses Poinsettia Street and continues until Keller Road. The trail is straight, with no loops or “ins and outs.”
Suggested Trail Names
• Keller Point Trail
• Poinsettia Street Trail
• Utility Trail
• Straightaway Trail
• Easement Way
FISCAL IMPACT
None
ATTACHMENTS
1. Naming of Parks and Recreation Facilities Policy