South Fontana Park
A Park for All
The city of Fontana, California has a long-standing reputation as a community that values connection, growth, and recreation. This commitment has been brought to life with the creation of an 18-acre sports park that combines accessibility, sustainability, and innovation. Nestled between Cypress and Juniper Avenues just east of Fontana's bustling industrial zone yet comfortably near its residential planned communities, the park has already established itself as a hub for sports, play, and communal activity. This park, designed by BMLA, represents more than a recreational space; it is a testament to vision, resilience, and community-centered design.
A Vision Years in the Making
The journey to create this remarkable park began over a decade ago, on the grounds of a former chicken egg ranch along Santa Ana Avenue. In 2011, Fontana city planners envisioned a space that would go beyond the conventional sports park. They aimed for a facility that could serve local sports leagues while embracing inclusivity and innovation - a place where every child, adult, and senior in the community could feel welcomed and engaged.
While delays interrupted the initial planning process, the vision persisted. The project was relocated to its current site - which had formerly been a flat, open expanse - and construction began in January 2022. Officially opened in March 2023, the park is a shining example of how determination and thoughtful planning can transform a blank slate into a thriving community resource.
A Universally Accessible Playground
At the heart of the park lies a playground that redefines what outdoor play can mean for children of all abilities. This universally accessible space transcends the limits of a traditional tot lot, inviting children to explore, challenge themselves, and engage in sensory-rich experiences. From swings, climbers, and
slides to musical instruments and sensory play centers, every feature is designed to offer fun and developmental opportunities.
The playground is fully surfaced with rubberized safety material, ensuring accessibility for children using mobility devices. Extensive ramping and strategically placed play features encourage seamless exploration, while cozy dome structures and sensory centers provide areas for quiet play and sensory engagement. Outdoor musical instruments add an auditory dimension, fostering creativity and joy.
For parents and caregivers, the playground offers peace of mind, knowing that all children can safely interact and play side by side. The inclusive design reinforces Fontana's commitment to creating spaces that foster connection and eliminate barriers.
Sports Facilities That Shine
Designed for year-round use, four full-size, artificial turf soccer and football fields accommodate the city's thriving youth and adult sports leagues. Whether hosting soccer matches, football games, or recreational practice sessions, the fields provide top-tier facilities that enhance player performance while reducing maintenance demands.
Artificial turf ensures that the fields remain resilient through changing weather conditions, allowing the park to host games and tournaments regardless of the season.
A Place for Connection and Fitness
Beyond its athletic offerings, the park is a place where families and friends can come together. The shaded central plaza, adorned with London Plane (Platanus ?-- acerifolia) trees, serves as a gathering hub. Featuring a concessions and restroom building, the plaza is perfect for hosting large group events, from birthday parties to community celebrations.
A rest area nestled within the park provides tranquil spaces for relaxation and dining, with picnic tables thoughtfully arranged between bioswales. These vegetated swales not only manage surface drainage but also contribute to the park's lush aesthetic, with their greenery complemented by the shade of tall trees.
Fitness enthusiasts appreciate the large exercise area and multiple walking circuits that wind through the park. Each circuit is measured, offering options for tracking workouts, whether users are training for a race or enjoying a leisurely stroll. The walking paths also align with Fontana Walks, an initiative that encourages residents to embrace active lifestyles.
Sustainability in Action
One challenge was ensuring effective drainage for the relatively flat site while maintaining the usability and aesthetic appeal of the fields. The design team addressed this by creating a strategic drainage system centered around the plaza. Runoff from the concession plaza, picnic area, and gathering spaces is directed into a series of linear bioswales that prevent cross-field drainage issues and enhance the park's environmental sustainability. The bioswales are planted with dense vegetation, which filters pollutants from runoff. The London Plane trees provide shade and reduce the urban heat island effect, making the park comfortable even during hot summer months.
A Community Asset for Generations
Fontana's 18-acre sports park is more than just a recreational facility; it's a symbol of the city's commitment to its residents. By blending accessibility, functionality, and environmental consciousness, the park meets a wide array of community needs. For families, it offers a safe and inclusive playground. For athletes, it provides top-tier sports fields. For fitness enthusiasts and casual walkers, it delivers scenic paths and workout spaces, and it creates a space for everyone to gather, celebrate, and connect.
The park also positions Fontana as a regional leader in public recreational spaces, drawing visitors from nearby areas and boosting local pride. Its design and features reflect modern trends in park planning, setting a benchmark for future projects. This new sports park plays an essential role in fostering community spirit and healthy lifestyles. Its grand opening celebrated more than just of a completed project; it recognized what the park represents - a commitment to making Fontana a place where everyone can thrive.
