Nestled in the heart of Corona, California, City Park is a beloved 111-year-old landmark, holding the distinction of being the city’s oldest and most centrally located green space. Spanning 21 acres, City Park serves as a multifunctional community hub, housing amenities such as an aquatic center, fitness and educational facilities, and event spaces. As part of a broader downtown revitalization effort, the City of Corona has embarked on an ambitious plan to breathe new life into this cherished space, transforming it into a vibrant gathering place that reflects the values of the Corona community.
A Design Rooted in History and Symbolism
The master plan for the revitalization of City Park is deeply inspired by the city’s name, “Corona,” meaning “crown” in Spanish. This influence is reflected in the design, which takes cues from the circular shape of Corona’s iconic Grand Boulevard. At the center of the park lies the symbolic “Corona crown,” a nod to the city’s rich history. Surrounding this central feature, colorful fields of flowers invite moments of discovery and reflection, encouraging visitors to connect with nature.
The park’s “nature wonderloop” offers a pathway for visitors to explore the natural beauty of the area, fostering wellness and renewal. These elements, combined, create a new narrative for City Park—one that celebrates the history, agricultural roots, and evolving community spirit of Corona.
Aligning with the City’s Vision
The revitalization of City Park is aligned with Corona’s 2024 Parks and Recreation master plan, which aims to optimize the use of public spaces to serve the community effectively. The goal is to cultivate meaningful, equitable, and inclusive experiences through diverse parks and recreational activities. The park’s design will honor its storied past, having hosted city celebrations for over a century, while also looking ahead to provide modern amenities and spaces for future generations.
In line with these goals, Mayor Tom Richins expressed his hope for the project:
“When the new City Park is finished, I hope the citizens will see what I see: a place for family and community that blends with nature. They will see a City Park where anyone and everyone can go and thrive.”
A Collaborative Effort
The transformation of City Park is being led by an experienced team of collaborators:
- Architects, Landscape Architects, Interior Architects, and Experience Designers: RIOS
- Civil Engineer: Albert A. Webb Associates
- CEQA/NEPA Compliance: PlaceWorks
- MEP Engineer: ME Engineers
- Structural Engineer: Walter P. Moore
- Aquatic Consultant: Aquatic Design Group
- Historical Consultant: Historical Resources Group
- Irrigation Consultant: Sweeney Consultant
- Spark Park & Playground: Spohn Ranch
- Fire & Accessibility: Jensen Hughes
- Cost Estimating: Cumming Group
This collaborative effort aims to create a space that honors the past while looking towards the future, offering the community of Corona a renewed sense of pride and place.
A New Chapter for Corona’s Community Hub
As part of the broader downtown revitalization, the reimagined City Park will serve as a crucial anchor for the city. It will not only offer spaces for recreation and leisure but also stand as a testament to Corona’s enduring legacy, reflecting the city’s identity through thoughtful design and community-centric experiences.
Stay tuned for more updates on the progress of the City Park revitalization and discover how this historic landmark is set to play an even more vital role in the life of Corona.
For more information about the City Park master plan and updates, visit the City of Corona’s official website or contact the project team directly.