Local stakeholders packed the year’s first Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, urging Chula Vista to preserve its public equestrian arena while city staff unveiled concepts to refresh the adjacent Memorial Park plaza. The session, talked about Memorial Park, also touched on broader activation plans, program expansions, and transparency in project rollouts.

The who: Equestrians, educators, civic groups, city staff, the Downtown Tourist Association, and recreation leaders. The what: Protecting the only public equestrian facility in South Bay and advancing five plaza design concepts; expanding community programming and reopening Sunday hours at Parkway Gym. The where: Memorial Park (Chula Vista), Parkway Community Center and Gymnasium, Salt Creek, Veterans Park, Mount San Miguel. The when: Commission meeting early in the year; Sunday gym reopening targeted for February this fiscal year. The why: Safeguard heritage assets, enhance civic space, and respond to strong public demand for accessible, inclusive recreation. The how: Grant-supported design work, budget reallocation, phased activations, and continued public engagement.

During public comment, equestrian advocates emphasized the arena’s unique role: a recreational hub, a therapeutic site for veterans with PTSD, and a wildfire evacuation staging area. “Green is not a luxury,” an educator from Bonita told commissioners. Another speaker added, “Horses teach strong boundaries… they heal people,” citing the arena’s developmental benefits across ages. Organizations including River Valley Horsemen Association, Lakeside Frontier Riders, Sweetwater Civic Association, the Sweetwater Planning Group, and Backyard Horsemen voiced formal support.

City staff and the Downtown Association presented plaza concepts aimed at a shaded, flexible, and welcoming civic heart—featuring clear entries, programmable open areas for markets and festivals, expanded tree canopy, and durable materials. Concepts C, D, and E drew the most interest for balancing seating, hardscape, and signature meeting points. The association’s goal: “a special space for generations” that supports everyday use and civic events.

Beyond Memorial Park, recreation leaders announced a February target to restore Sunday hours at Parkway Gym after a 15-year hiatus, backed by modest budget shifts and staffing plans. Expanded programs include nature clubs at Salt Creek, diversified adult sports, and inclusive services for residents with disabilities. Residents also called for better audio systems and transparency.

As Chula Vista weighs plaza upgrades, a central challenge remains: can the city energize Rohr Park without losing the equestrian heart that defines it? The answer will shape not just a public space, but the community’s sense of continuity and belonging.

AI WROTE FROM AUDIO

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