Committee to Review Plan to Revamp Park

After months of public workshops, a master plan for the transformation of Hillcrest Park is taking shape.

The final draft of the plan will be reviewed Jan. 22 by the Hillcrest Master Plan Advisory Committee. It will be presented to the Community Services Commission on Feb. 12, and the City Council will consider adopting the plan March 5.

As of this week, the plan calls for the following:

* Closure of the Lemon Street entrance.

* Creation of a new entrance and exit from Valley View Street.

* Pedestrian and bicycle trails throughout the park.

* Stairs from Lions Field to the proposed trails on the north slope of the park.

* Upgrading the recreation building on Lions Field.

* Eliminating the existing tot lot in the parking area near Lemon Street and installing new play equipment in a different location.

* Providing a picnic area near a parking lot.

* Improving the sloped grass ball field.

* Installing outdoor patios and a restroom outside the Hillcrest Recreation Center.

* Developing grass volleyball courts, basketball courts, shelters, bridges, a stream and a small office for the park ranger.

* Allowing pushcart vendors to do business in the park.

The public is invited to comment on the plan at the upcoming public hearings or by calling (714) 738-6590.