Lago Vista Sports Park on Holland Road to open Aug. 19

This baseball field, facing to the northeast toward Southshore Elementary School, is one of several sports facilities at the park. Menifee 24/7 photos: Kristen Spoon

Lago Vista Sports Park, including lighted baseball and softball fields, a lighted soccer field, basketball courts and more, is scheduled to open Aug. 19, an official said today.

A Grand Opening and ribbon cutting that day will celebrate the opening of the park, said Dean Wetter, general manager of Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District. That day can't come too soon for residents -- especially those who live in the neighborhood of the park, located on the north side of Holland Road near Southshore Elementary School.

Wetter said the delay in opening what appeared to passersby as a finished park was due to finishing touches and building permits that had to be signed off by the City of Menifee. He said the ongoing issue between Valley-Wide and the City of Menifee over control of parks on the east side of the 215 Freeway was not a factor in the delay.

"We've wanted to have this park open for several months," Wetter said. "Now the timing is right; everything is signed off. The City has to sign off on everything before the developer can turn the park over to us. It's finally approved and the developer has said they are wanting to transfer this over."

In addition to the sports facilities, the park includes a picnic area, playground areas, and a walking trail leading to The Lakes community to the north. Lennar Homes built the park as part of its agreement in expanding The Lakes community, but the park will be open to all residents.

This means the park will be open in time for the fall season of many youth leagues. Interest has already been expressed by some of those teams and leagues, which often struggle to find playing and practice time at nearby Wheatfield Park.