IMPERIAL — A feasibility study for a regional park and event center in the city was approved by the City Council on Wednesday.
This regional park would contain a major sports field with four baseball diamonds, soccer fields and a stage area for equestrian competition, said Jorge Galvan, city planning director, who noted a third of the park would be devoted to equestrian activities.
“After talking to the equestrian community we found out there is a need in (the) southwestern region,” he said and added that many venues like the Del Mar fair in San Diego are booked.
The park would cover some 140 acres of land near Larsen and La Brucherie roads, which the city’s former redevelopment agency purchased in 2010. This park would have playgrounds, open and covered stages and be able to hold concerts, weddings and regional sports tournaments.
“If you think of Balboa Park in San Diego, that is sort of the same model or idea that we had in designing this regional park,” said Galvan. But this park, which would have some commercial activity like restaurants, is more about outdoor activities instead of museums.
A fiscal analysis has been done, said Galvan, but now a study is needed to determine the actual number of equine aficionados in the region, including San Diego and Riverside, and how far people are willing to drive.
When asked about the project’s timeline, Galvan said the project could go forward within the calendar year while the first phase could take about a year and a half in construction.
Staff Writer Alejandro Dávila can be reached at 760-337-3445 or adavila@ivpressonline.com
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