HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-19-2026 Minutes PPCEAPPROVED BY THE PARK PLANNING AND COMMUNITY EVENTS COMMISSION ON JULY 21, 2026
MINUTES
City of Orange
Park Planning and Community Events
Commission
May 19, 2026
The Park Planning and Community Events Commission of the City of Orange, California
convened on May 19, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in a Regular Meeting the Council Chamber, 300 E.
Chapman Avenue, Orange, California.
1. OPENING/CALL TO ORDER
Chair Romero called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
1.1 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Commissioner Perez.
1.2 ROLL CALL
Present Ahlswede, Fields, Perez, Kushon, Lozano, and Romero
Absent Litwin
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS
None.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
3.1. Approval of minutes of the City of Orange Park Planning and Community Events
Commission Regular Meeting held on March 17, 2026
A motion was made by Vice Chair Ahlswede, seconded by Commissioner Kushon, to
approve the minutes as presented.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Ahlswede, Fields, Perez, Kushon, Lozano, and Romero
Noes: None
Absent: Litwin
4. COMMISSION BUSINESS
4.1. Grijalva Park Masterplan Update
Emily Bustamante, Assistant Community Services Director, presented a staff report on
the Grijalva Park Masterplan Update. Consultant Cassie Bretschger of Kimley-Horn
gave a presentation with a brief history of the site along with the proposed vision,
objectives, and anticipated next steps with a focus on findings from a community input
meeting that took place on March 31, 2026 as well as a community wide survey.
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Park Planning and Community Events Minutes May 19,2026
Commission
Public Speakers:
The following spoke in support of installing a BMX/pump track as part of the Grijalva
Park Masterplan: Colton Ferguson, Lisa Landau, Sean Kading, Jeff Corley, and David
Browning.
Staff and consultant responded to Commissioner questions on future parking options,
funding sources, and viable locations for various amenities.
5. COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Robert Ambriz Jr., Parks and Facilities Manager, presented updates on completed park
projects and plans for approved Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 projects, including breaking
ground on the construction of a skatepark at Grijalva Park, updating playground
equipment, and refurbishing the Veterans War Memorial Fountain at Santa Fe Depot
Park.
Emily Bustamante, Assistant Community Services Director, presented an update on
the completion of the Pickleball & Fitness Circuit Project at Hart Park.
Chair Romero provided an update on the USA250 Celebration in the Park event on
July 3, 2026. The Fundraising Subcommittee was able to raise more than $15,000.00
toward the event but was unable to meet the financial goal to safely stage the event.
The decision was made to cancel the proposed event. City staff is currently preparing
community communication and working on alternate ways to celebrate USA250
throughout the City.
Staff invited Commissioners to an updated guided tour of City parks.
6. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:27 p.m.
The next Regular Park Planning and Community Events Commission meeting will be
held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber.
Emil Busta ante
Assistant Community Services Director
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