Almost Underway: Gonzales Canyon Park

Almost Underway: Gonzales Canyon Neighborhood Park

Carmel Valley residents have long been awaiting the opening of the highly anticipated Gonzales Canyon Neighborhood Park.  Although the park has been fully funded since 2008, the actual planning and production of the park has been slightly delayed, leaving the Pacific Highlands Ranch neighborhood kids to play on slabs of asphalts.  Fortunately, plans are continuing to move forth in production, with hopes of having the park completed by December 2014, according to Beth Fischer of Pardee Homes.  The 5 acre park site is located at the end of Pacific Highlands Ranch Parkway, across the street from the future Solana Ranch School, also set to open in the fall of 2014.

The Schmidt Design Group will be showcasing three designs they created for the park, which will be discussed and hopefully finalized during the Carmel Valley Parks and Recreation Council and city public hearings in June.  Residents who actually live in or around the Pacific Highlands Ranch neighborhood are encouraged to come to these meetings and voice their opinions, in order to customize the park to the resident’s wants and needs.  A subcommittee made up of residents was also made to help with this customization process.

Alternative 1 “Inspired by the Community”- Features a trail and landscaped creek connection that runs throughout the park.  Tot lots, basketball courts and picnic areas will also be found on the park, as well as a restroom building an amphitheater with Gonzales Canyon serving as the backdrop.  This plan will also feature a native garden, picnic area and “contemplative areas” to explore the canyon.

Alternative 2 “Mission Revival”- The park would feature a structured layout similar to the California Mission style with a central plaza surrounded by tot lots, viewing plaza, sport courts, restrooms and tree lined paths leading to a large turf area in the center of the park.

Alternative 3 “Gonzales Canyon Inspired”- This design features a tree-lined promenade, a picnic area and a plaza.  In addition, tot lots, sports courts, picnic areas, and a large turf area overlooking the canyon would be included.

The Schmidt Group sent out surveys to the neighborhood surrounding the park, and received over 70 responses, one of the highest response rates they have seen in 12 years of park planning.  This high response rate just goes to show how badly the park is desired in this community!!  The surveys produced a lot of valuable feedback and helped pinpoint exactly what amenities the residents would like the park to offer.  Some of these amenities include children’s play equipment, shade trees, security lighting, swings, restrooms, nature trails and exercise stations throughout the park.  There is no denying that this park is going to be an exceptional park, truly designed to meet the needs of those in the surrounding neighborhoods.

To cast your vote, feel free to attend the upcoming planning meeting where those in attendance will have an opportunity to review the plans, cast their votes, and help customize the park to their desires.  You won’t want to miss out on this exciting opportunity to see the park beginning to come into fruition!

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Dan Conway offers superior knowledge and expertise in helping people buy and sell Carmel Valley homes. Whether you’re buying or selling, Dan’s strong communication skills and personal service will surely guide you through your real estate experience.

Dan brings a profound energy & enthusiasm to his latest adventure. Dan has been quickly garnering accolades in the Real Estate Industry…in 2006 he was named to the Prudential Leading Edge Society, in 2007 he was named to the Prudential President’s Circle, which placed him in the top 5% of Sales Professionals in the Prudential Real Estate network nationally and, he received The 2007 Gold Award for the Agent who exemplifies “Outstanding Professionalism” in Del Mar.  2008 was a banner year for Dan as exceeded all expectations and became a member of the elite Chairman’s Circle, the Top 2% in the nation, and also the 2008 Spirit Award, presented to him by his “Del Mar peers”!   Dan was named Salesperson of the Month for December 2007, February 2009, August 2009 & November 2009.    Prudential presented Dan with the 2009 Chairman’s Circle, Platinum Award, the Top 1% Nationally and also the 2009 Spirit Award, presented to him by his “Del Mar peers”!  And, San Diego Magazine selected Dan as the Best in Customer Satisfaction, 2010!  Finally, Dan and his team had over $65 Million in Sales (109 Homes sold) in 2010!

Dan and his lovely wife Pattie enjoy entertaining & vacationing in Temecula Wine Country, Mission Bay and Boston College Football games in the Fall (Go EAGLES!). They have three children; Thad, Taylor and Danny III and they reside in beautiful Sabre Springs.

The difference between Dan and everyone else; is Dan!