Orange · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Orange public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Proposed pocket park via $1M extreme heat grant
The city applied for a $1 million state grant to turn a vacant, fenced city-owned lot near Grijalva Park into a shaded pocket park with a playground, native trees, and trail connections. A decision is expected in early 2027, and the council would have to accept the funds.
El Camino Real bell markers along the creek
The historical subcommittee is planning El Camino Real bell markers along the creek, with Grijalva Park as a possible centerpiece location since the old and new Camino routes split there. Funding hasn't been identified yet, but grants are being explored.
Holiday Skate Center preservation
The 53-year-old roller rink closed August 2 ahead of a proposed townhome redevelopment at 157 and 175 North Wayfield Street. Nearly twenty skaters, coaches, and parents begged the council to delay demolition or reconsider the rezoning, but the item isn't formally before the council yet, so no action was taken.
Rampart Street Park Project design
The Council approved leases with the County for two west Orange park properties — a 10-acre site key to the OC Riverwalk and a 1-acre Rampart Street site planned for a walking path, seating, and dog area.
Grijalva skate park regulatory delay
The council awarded a $2.5 million contract to finally build the long-awaited skatepark at Grijalva Park.
No revenue activities at West Orange park site
A councilmember pitched hard for the long-delayed riverbed park, noting nothing recreational has been built west of the railroad tracks since 1975. The county's levee project is the holdup; the council agreed to keep it prioritized and monitored.
Future of the July 3rd celebration
The July 3 USA250 event is canceled after the fundraising subcommittee raised over $15,000 but fell short of what was needed to safely stage it. The council had ruled out general fund money, so donors will be refunded and staff are planning alternate celebrations.
Sully-Miller property open space
The city received a 30.75-acre open-space dedication at the Sully Miller site with conservation easements, and a new grant was secured for habitat restoration and invasive removal there.
Library programming and outreach
Staff and the Friends group reported on summer programming, pop-up library outreach, and upcoming events, plus September being Library Card Sign-up Month — a push to get more residents signed up for library cards.
Posting and Distribution of Information Policy
The library board set new rules for what can be posted and distributed at Orange's libraries, separating indoor and outdoor postings. This affects community groups, nonprofits, and anyone wanting to share flyers at the library.
Prohibition of smoking in city parks (Ordinance No. 13-26)
The Council debated banning smoking in all city parks. Supporters cited secondhand smoke health risks and enforcement benefits against vagrancy; opponents warned of a slippery slope and enforcement costs. The item goes to the Parks Commission next.
Proposed renaming of the Orange Public Library
The council pulled the plan to rename the library after the late Mayor Mark Murphy after strong public opposition over cost and the principle that the library belongs to everyone. It could return at a future meeting.
FY 2027 park capital projects and sponsorship policy
Hart Park's pickleball and fitness circuit should wrap up in mid-April, Serrano Park's anti-vandalism fencing is done, the Grijalva skatepark goes to construction award in April with work starting this summer, and the Rampart Street Park lease with the county is moving forward.
West Side Park design and funding
The new park along the Santa Ana River Trail now includes a ninja course, nature-themed play areas, a skate plaza, and a mural wall — but the price tag rose from $3.3 million to $3.9 million. Construction can't start until the county finishes its levee work, with bidding expected around the end of the year.
Playground Equipment Replacement — Eisenhower vs. Hart Park
Two 20-plus-year-old playgrounds are worn out, and the city can only afford to replace one this year with $800,000. The commission chose Eisenhower's lower playground; Hart Park stays on the list for next year. Commissioner Kushon wants the city's unused sponsorship program tapped to help pay for more.
El Modena Branch local history exhibit
A local history exhibit curated with the Orange Community Historical Society will be unveiled August 6 at the El Modena Branch Library.
Little Free Libraries partnership
Chair Martinez is teaming up with Santiago Charter Middle School to place 20 student-built Little Free Libraries around the community.
USA250 Celebration in the Park fundraising
The Council approved a scaled-back July 3 celebration at Hart Park with a $35,000 fundraising goal — no fireworks. A push to move it to Grijalva Park with fireworks failed on cost and logistics concerns.
Grijalva Park Master Plan update
The city is updating the Grijalva Park master plan with a community questionnaire and a public workshop on March 31 at 6 p.m. at the Sports Center. Residents can shape what goes into the park's future, including a coming skatepark.
Veterans Memorial Park fountain funding
A resident offered to raise private donations and sponsorships to cover the $50,000 fountain restoration so taxpayers don't pay the full cost.
Library lot overcrowding from paid parking spillover
Downtown workers and plaza visitors are filling the free library lot, squeezing out library patrons. The commission approved 2-hour limits on the west side and told staff to plan enforcement hours and possible expansion to the whole lot.
Summer aquatics and day camp programs
After budget cuts killed city-run summer camps, The HUB OC will run youth and teen day camps at Schaefer Park at zero cost to the city — saving roughly $400,000 a year.
Hart Park Pool reopening with private operator
The pool will reopen year-round under Premier Aquatic Services, but swim lessons jump from about $5 to $15 each, and residents questioned whether the city got the best deal. Drowning-prevention advocates supported the program but questioned the contract terms.
Commission scope and subcommittees
Commissioners floated forming subcommittees and expanding their scope to other waterways like Collins Channel, but the city attorney advised any scope expansion requires a council-approved ordinance; subcommittees of three or fewer are allowed without Brown Act implications.
30.75-acre open space dedication in East Orange
Milan is giving the city 30.75 acres around the future 22-home site as permanent open space — a big step toward fixing Orange's open-space shortfall, with a conservation easement the developer pays to maintain.