During this past year, many milestone projects have officially been completed. From the River of Lights Illumination Ceremony at Central Park to the grand opening of the historic Pioneer Oil Refinery Park, our city continues to make progress across the community. These projects are more than construction — they represent investments in our community for every resident. From parks to new facilities, Santa Clarita continues to deliver spaces that enhance our quality of life and encourage residents to come together.
Next week, the community will once again get to play at Old Orchard Park. During the past year, the park has undergone a full-scale renovation. Families will notice the redesigned playground, now featuring a climbing wall, rope ladder, slide and turf mound that encourage adventure and play, all shaded for year-round comfort. Accessibility has also been improved with the addition of a new Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant restroom building.
Active recreation was a key focus of the project, with the basketball court re-striped to accommodate pickleball and the construction of a versatile multi-sport court, perfect for games of basketball or futsal. The grand opening event will include a futsal demonstration, showing residents the fast-paced, skill-driven sport in action. Adding to the park’s character is a striking new art piece, “The Dreams of the Golden Oak,” a glass mosaic sculpture that honors the community’s heritage and offers a quiet space for reflection. With these upgrades, Old Orchard Park has been renewed as a welcoming space for both play and connection.
Across town, residents can look forward to the expansion of David March Park. While the existing park is temporarily closed for construction, the improvements will be worth the wait. When the park reopens in early 2026, families will be welcomed back to a refreshed space featuring new outdoor exercise equipment, a covered picnic pavilion, a new basketball court, a shade structure over the playground and additional parking stalls.
Yet, the most exciting features are part of the broader expansion project, which is anticipated to be complete by spring 2026. These include the city’s second exercise staircase — a 116-step climb offering scenic views of the surrounding ridgeline — and a new baseball field with shaded spectator seating for local games and events. These enhancements will ensure David March Park continues to be a centerpiece of outdoor activity and community pride in the Saugus neighborhood.
Meanwhile, in the heart of Santa Clarita, a brand-new indoor recreation facility has officially gone vertical. The Rink Sports Pavilion will be a 25,700-square-foot complex built for both recreation and celebration. This innovative venue will feature a single, adaptable court that can transform into a roller-skating rink, a full-size basketball court, three pickleball courts or a volleyball court — all under one roof. Designed with fun in mind, the Pavilion will include disco lights, spectator seating and a commercial kitchen, making it the city’s next go-to destination not only for sports, but also for birthday parties, special events and unforgettable nights out. Soon, residents will be able to grab their skates, rally their friends and experience a new kind of indoor fun right here in Santa Clarita.
These capital improvement projects demonstrate how the city is working to create spaces that encourage activity, connection and recreation. Each is unique, but together they reflect our shared commitment to building a community where residents of all ages can stay active and thrive. Whether you are exploring a playground with your children, taking on the challenge of a staircase climb or enjoying a roller-skating night with friends, there is something new for everyone to look forward to in Santa Clarita.
For more information about these projects, please visit SantaClarita.gov/CIP.