The conceptual design for Evans Park North.
A new pump track, freestyle riding area, skills courses and an adaptive track for riders using wheelchairs could be coming to Evans Park North under a conceptual design approved last week by the Menifee Parks, Recreation and Trails Commission.
The 13-acre project next to Paloma Valley High School could also include jump lines, spectator seating, a skills trail connecting to the existing Gale Webb Action Sports Park, space for food trucks, a restroom and parking. City staff said the adaptive track would give people of different abilities an opportunity to use the course.
Evans Park consists of about 19 acres, with six acres south of Craig Avenue developed into Gale Webb and the remaining property to the north known as Evans Park North.
City staff said Gale Webb’s popularity helped shape what the city is considering for Evans Park North. According to data presented by the city, Gale Webb received more than 42,000 visitors during a one-year period, including visitors from outside Menifee.
“I think this is a great idea that would also bring additional entertainment, which we really need,” Commission Chair David Foust said.
The city worked with American Ramp Company, which designed the existing pump track and bike park at Gale Webb, to develop the Evans Park North concept.
The property has some environmental challenges, including wetlands and waterways, changes in elevation and a Riverside County flood channel next to the site. Staff said the layout was planned around those areas while keeping as much of the property natural as possible.
Earlier ideas for Evans Park North included a swimming pool, but staff said that option was taken off the table because of environmental constraints and other plans for aquatic facilities in Menifee.
The city has about $270,000 remaining from $600,000 available for the project after costs for environmental work and the conceptual design. City staff estimated the full project could cost between $8 million and $10 million.
The city will use the conceptual plan to continue the environmental review, which staff said could take several months or potentially about a year. Additional funding would then be needed to move the project toward construction.
