The $2.8 million project was funded by the California State Coastal Conservancy.
SANTA ANA, Calif. – The City of Santa Ana celebrated the completion of the latest improvements at Santiago Park on Tuesday, Dec. 9, as part of its ongoing investment in this important community and ecological space along Santiago Creek.
Santa Ana City Councilmembers and State representatives joined community members for a ribbon cutting ceremony at the park where they learned about the new improvements, including picnic areas, Santiago Creek overlooks, lighting, landscaping, irrigation, fencing, an entry monument at Main Street, a pedestrian path and a bike path that connects to the Santiago Creek Bike Trail. Phase II was made possible by $2.8 million in funding from the California State Coastal Conservancy.
“Santiago Park is becoming a true recreational gateway for our community,” Mayor Valerie Amezcua said. “Each phase of this project reflects years of collaboration with residents and partners who share our vision for a more connected, vibrant and accessible green space. We’re building a park system that honors the area’s natural character while creating new opportunities for families to explore, gather and enjoy the outdoors.”
“This project expands access to nature and strengthens community connections for residents in Ward 3 and across Santa Ana,” Councilmember Jessie Lopez said. “We’ve invested significant time and resources to move this work forward, and it’s paying off. The new trails and gathering spaces will give our community a healthier, more enjoyable place to spend time outdoors. I’m grateful to the California State Coastal Conservancy for partnering with us, and I’m excited to celebrate the second phase and begin planning for the third.”
Santiago Park, located at Main Street along Memory Lane across from the Discovery Cube, had been undeveloped for years until the City of Santa Ana began working with the Park Santiago Neighborhood Association to develop a concept plan for the improvements. Construction on the first phase of the project, called the Gashouse Area, began in 2021 and was completed in 2023. That $3.5 million phase included renovation of the historic Gashouse building that’s now available to rent for private events, as well as adding an outdoor amphitheater, walkways, picnic tables, playground, lighting, new landscaping and other improvements.
Santiago Park Phase III is in the planning stages and will include the section of the park east of the Lawn Bowling Center to the 22 Freeway.