The Santee City Council voted unanimously Wednesday night to approve a $4.2 million community park project on Cuyamaca Street, transforming a long-vacant 3.5-acre lot into a public green space.

The new park will feature paved walking trails, a children's playground, a fenced dog park, shaded picnic areas, and native drought-resistant landscaping. The project also includes a small parking lot and restroom facilities.

"This has been a priority for the community for years," said Mayor John Minto during the council meeting. "Families in this part of Santee have been asking for accessible green space, and we're delivering."

Timeline and Funding

Construction is expected to begin in April 2026, with an estimated completion date of early 2027. The project is funded through a combination of city reserves, county park development fees, and a $1.8 million grant from the California Department of Parks and Recreation.

The council also approved a community input period running through March, allowing residents to weigh in on specific amenities and design features.

Community Response

Residents who spoke during the public comment period were overwhelmingly supportive. Several noted the lack of park space in the Cuyamaca Street corridor, particularly for families with young children and dog owners.

"We've been driving to other neighborhoods for a decent park," said Santee resident Maria Torres. "Having one in walking distance changes everything for our family."

The project is part of the city's broader Parks Master Plan, which identifies several underserved areas for future green space development.