On Wednesday, March 16 at 6 p.m., the City of La Mesa invites residents to participate in an interactive virtual workshop for a future park on the site of the former Lemon Grove Road Station, a 2.84 acre parcel at the northwest corner of Waite Drive and Murray Hill Road. The City of La Mesa Parks Master Plan identified this location as a valuable option for a future park.

“For over a decade, our Parks Master Plan has guided our efforts to reimagine our open spaces,” said La Mesa Mayor Mark Arapostathis. “This workshop will give us an opportunity to discuss reinvesting in our community and work together with our residents to expand our park system.”

About the Workshop

When:            Wednesday, March, 16, | 6 p.m.

What:             Interactive Virtual Community Workshop (no registration required)

Where:           Zoom Link https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87507108249 or dial (669) 900-6833 to participate by phone, meeting ID: 875 0710 8249

As a community engagement tool, the City hopes to get input from community members on the plan to build a new park, discuss conditions and future opportunities, and gather community member’s priorities on desired amenities and character of the park.

For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3I4etVt or email [email protected].

Timeline of Project Site

In 2000 & 2011, the former County of San Diego facility known as the Lemon Grove Road Station underwent two separate environmental cleanups. In March 2012, the County of San Diego notified the City of La Mesa of the availability of the site, offering the option to purchase.  As part of its due diligence, the City of La Mesa hired an outside consultant to conduct an Environmental Site Assessment of the property to confirm there were no remaining hazardous materials. In July 2012, the site was purchased by the City for $650,000, over the course of four (4) years using park impact fees which are designed to mitigate the impact of new development on municipalities, existing facilities and infrastructure for residential developments. In December 2021, the City received funding through the California State Department of Recreation Local Assistance Specified Grant program to create a master plan for the proposed park.