Murrieta Parks & Recreation
Statistics by John Husing Ph.D
Parks and Recreation
Murrieta has 34 existing parks, eight under construction, and seven in plan check. When these 49 facilities covering 551.5 acres are completed, there will be one acre per 168.5 residents a level below every major city but Riverside. The system is family oriented and provides extensive access to soccer, baseball, tennis, volleyball, swimming and basketball facilities.Most parks have children’s play areas plus picnic and barbecue facilities. Locations have been set aside for joggers and cyclists.
The city’s parks include such major sites as 165 acre Cole Canyon Park , a nature preserve, and 46 acre Los Alamos Hills Sports Park that offers nearly every form of sports activity.Facilities are spread throughout the community placing recreation opportunities close to every neighborhood.In addition, the city is planning the four acre Town Square Park with an amphitheater, bike and walking areas and lawns in the city’s historic downtown.
Meanwhile, a wide array of arts and cultural programs are available in Murrieta for adults and children. Art, music, equestrian, tennis, swimming, dance, gymnastics karate, tai chi and yoga classes appeal to people of all ages and interests.There are competitive youth leagues in baseball, softball, soccer, basketball, football, volleyball, water polo and swimming.In addition, Murrieta has two major golf courses.
Bear Creek is a 7,024 yard, par 72 tournament caliber course designed by Jack Nicklaus. Its natural terrain is rolling hills, with four streams and two lakes.Comparatively little of the natural terrain was disturbed and minimal grading was required with 200-year old oak trees dotting the course. The SCGA Course was designed by Robert Trent Jones. It is a 7,036 yard, par 72 tournament caliber course.
