Learn more about Rivendale:

– http://www.scvhistory.com/scvhistory/fetter_rivendale.htm

– http://www.scvhistory.com/scvhistory/lw2415b.htm

[KHTS] – On a 4-0 vote, Santa Clarita City Council members approved a plan Tuesday to renovate Rivendale Park, located just off The Old Road south of Calgrove Boulevard.

The next step is developing the funding sources necessary and determining if there are resources available to make it happen, said Rick Gould, director of parks, recreation and community services.

“We’ve got a plan, and if we’re able to develop funding, we would then be able to address the design process, among many other things,” Gould said, mentioning grants as one possibility.

“This is the first step in developing a park there. The future development of this park will compete with limited resources,” Gould said.

The proposal approved by City Council members Tuesday, calls for 2.5 miles of additional trails, trail enhancements, a cultural/educational center, 100 more parking spaces and an amphitheater with approximately 400 fixed seats and grass seating, as well as three additional restrooms.

LA SummerFest Director David Stears, who leads the organization that puts on the theater festival every year using the park, said he was excited about the park’s prospects.

“I’m very happy that it got passed,” Stears said. “I certainly understand environmental concerns — that’s one of the reason we have such a wonderful valley. But I believe it’s close enough to the road and far enough away from the most sensitive areas that it will pass an environmental report.

“I’m hoping that we can continue doing the festival in Rivendale and grow as the opportunities grow,” he added.

The cultural, educational use area plans to reflect the Native American culture of the region’s history, according to city officials.

Implementation of the master plan will require funding for design, preparation of environmental documents, obtaining permits from regulatory agencies, and preparing construction plans and specifications. Included in the permitting process, a Conditional Use Permit will be sought, in compliance with the City’s zoning requirements.

RRM Design Group (RRM) was selected from among 15 qualified firms that responded to the city’s request for proposals to prepare the master plan for the site, according to city documents.

Staff worked closely with RRM to develop a communications plan that reached a broad cross-section of the community, officials said.

Initial community outreach included three focus group meetings, a public meeting and a site tour.

The city acquired the Rivendale property in 1995, with  its use limited primarily to trailhead and trail access for the adjacent Towsley Canyon Open Space.

The 60-acre property serves as a buffer between the state’s major north-south transportation corridor and the 3,000-acre Santa Clarita Woodlands, which includes Towsley Canyon.

Due to the site’s visibility from Interstate 5 and direct access from The Old Road, it has potential for development as a venue for events or for park and recreation amenities, according to city documents.