http://www.ocregister.com/news/park-236698-ranch-citrus.html

Published: Feb. 27, 2010 - Updated: 5:27 p.m.

Tustin's Citrus Ranch Park is open to public

By ELYSSE JAMES
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER


Tustin and Irvine residents explore the newly opened
Citrus Ranch Park at the corner of Jamboree and Portola
in Tustin on Saturday after a ribbon cutting ceremony that
officially opened the long-awaited park to the public.
JEFFREY ANTENORE, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

TUSTIN Citrus Ranch Park, a 17-acre park with two playgrounds, is now open.

The city held a dedication ceremony on Saturday at the park, off Portola Parkway, between Jamboree and Tustin Ranch roads. Citrus Ranch Park is the last park to be built in Tustin Ranch.

Though construction finished in November, the $4.4 million park remained closed to give the landscaping time to establish.

The 17-acre park at 1111 Portola Parkway has a citrus theme, and rows of 869 lemon trees will line the topmost part of Citrus Ranch Park. The groves are among the last citrus groves in Orange County. A shaded, seated lookout point at the top of the hill will give visitors a panoramic view of the city.

In addition to the viewing area, the park has a meadow, picnic tables, one-half mile of walking trails, restrooms and two play areas, a tot lot for children ages 2 to 5 and a playground for children ages 5 to 12.

The park has 108 parking spaces and two walk-in entrances off Jamboree Road and one at Tustin Ranch Road, according to the city.

A trail leads visitors past the two playgrounds and through the lemon groves to Vista View Point, the lookout at Jamboree Road and Portola Parkway. From the lookout, visitors will have a view of the mountains, the county and on a clear day, Catalina Island and the ocean.

The city now has 2.6 acres of park for every 1,000 people. The next park the city will build is a 25-acre sports park in Tustin Legacy at the former Marine base, which will change the ratio to 3.5 acres of park to 1,000 people, exceeding the national standard, according to the city.

Information: 714-573-3000 or www.tustinca.org/departments/parksrec/citrusranchpark.html

Contact the writer: 714-796-7949 or ejames@ocregister.com