Groundbreaking Marks Start of Sports Park Construction

When O.C. Boltz Baseball Club coach Victor Carrasco looks at the pile of dirt near the now-open Rancho Parkway extension, he sees more than a construction site.

"It'll be like the Field of Dreams up there," the Pony League coach said Tuesday at a well-attended groundbreaking for Lake Forest's future sports park.

Carrasco was among the residents and officials who turned out in droves to witness the ceremony and applaud the park's designers.

Mayor Kathryn McCullough pumped up the crowd as the ceremony began, asking: "Is there anyone excited about the park?"

She wasn't disappointed. The crowd cheered and applauded throughout the ceremony.

Former Angels pitcher Dave Frost was among the line-up of dignitaries in attendance.

Among the children who practice and play at the sports park, some will one day become professional athletes, Frost said.

Fifth District Supervisor Pat Bates and state Assemblyman Don Wagner also spoke briefly.

"What we're doing for the kids is really important," Wagner said. "I look forward to coming back when the kids are ready to play ball."

Jody Craycraft, a longtime Lake Forest resident, complimented the Parks and Recreation Commission on its hard work.

"We're so appreciative," she said.

With two children in college and the third a senior at El Toro High School—all lacrosse players—Craycraft said she is eager for the day when her grandchildren will get to play at the new park and recreation center.

She wasn't alone in her gratitude to the city's parks commission for its efforts.

John Irish, commission chair, received a big round of applause as he was recognized for his and his colleagues' push to bring the community an impressive facility.

"We look forward to the fruition of this magnificant design," Irish said at the ceremony.

The audience sang "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" together before city leaders ceremoniously picked up shovels of dirt to mark the start of park construction.

Grading on the park began Tuesday. Construction is slated to wrap up in 2014.

The groundbreaking ceremony coincided with a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the opening of the new portion of Rancho Parkway, from Hermana Circle to Portola Parkway.

The roadway, which will provide access to the park, opened to traffic Tuesday afternoon.