Greetings!
Here it is, halfway through the year already. Things have been very busy at City Hall and I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you some of our recent activities and give you a preview of what’s coming up.
The City Council is getting ready to adopt our new fiscal budget for 2009-2010. This upcoming fiscal year is definitely a challenging one for everyone. Your City Council is working hard to make sure that the City is fiscally solvent and well positioned for the future. Through prudent fiscal management, the City will continue to provide residents with the high quality programs and services they have come to expect from the City of Santa Clarita.
In Old Town Newhall, we’re moving along with plans to build a new and expanded library to replace the old library in Newhall. After community meetings and surveys, the City has a good idea of what the community would like to see in a new library in this area. The design of the new library is well underway and construction should begin early next year. Located at Main Street and Lyons, the new 26,000 square-foot library will serve as a community gathering place for decades to come. Additionally, we will soon be finishing the first phase of the streetscape project in Newhall, helping to make Old Town a destination location for diners and shoppers.
Over at the Sports Complex in Canyon Country, the City is currently building two fully lighted outdoor basketball courts, which will also be used for low-intensity recreational roller hockey games. An interim, half-acre, off leash Dog Park is also being constructed on the Sports Complex site. In addition to increasing the size and scope of available recreational activities, Phase IV of the Sports Complex expansion project will also expand the Aquatic Center’s concrete seating bleachers, add another 143 parking spaces and create new hillside landscaping to the Sports Complex. A pedestrian walkway system connecting the upper and lower park areas will round out the Phase IV expansion project. Some amenities to look forward to in the future, although as yet, unfunded to build, include a BMX track, two lighted sports fields, a universally accessible play area, a permanent dog park, picnic shelters and more restrooms and parking.
Right now, we’re gearing up for the 4th of July festivities as well as our popular, free Summer Concert series. You may find out about all of the 4th of July activities via the City’s website at www.santa-clarita.com. The free summer concert series begins in July and is held every Saturday evening at 7 p.m. at Central Park. For a complete free concert schedule, log onto our website. You won’t want to miss the free 4th of July fireworks show at the Valencia Town Center, sponsored by the City.
Thank you for your interest in the City of Santa Clarita. It is always a pleasure to hear from you. You can reach me directly via e-mail at: kpulskamp@santa-clarita.com .
Best regards, Ken Pulskamp