DATE: 08/05/2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Planning and Development Department
2026-279
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBJECT:
REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF PROPOSED ALTERATIONS TO HISTORIC DISTRICT HD-005 (CITY PARK), A HISTORIC DISTRICT LISTED ON THE CORONA REGISTER
OF HISTORIC RESOURCES, AS PART OF THE CITY PARK REVITALIZATION PROJECT, LOCATED AT 930 E. SIXTH STREET
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
This staff report asks the City Council to affirm the Historic Preservation Board’s decision to approve the proposed alterations to City Park as part of the City Park Revitalization Project. City Park is designated as Historic District No. 5 (HD-005) on the Corona Register of Historic Resources.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
That the City Council:
a. Take no action, thereby affirming the Historic Preservation Board’s action to approve the alterations to City Park as part of the City Park Revitalization Project (MARD2026-0002), based on the findings contained in the staff report and conditions of approval.
OR
b. Set the item for review at a subsequent meeting.
BACKGROUND & HISTORY:
The revitalization of City Park was identified in the City's Strategic Plan, adopted in 2021.
The plan established as one of its core objectives the redevelopment of City Park to include a new, full-service, purpose-built community center intentionally designed to serve the needs of Corona residents. Master planning efforts began in June 2022, launching an approximately 18-month, community-driven process that included door knocking, pop-up events at City Park, online surveys distributed in both English and Spanish, social media outreach, and multiple design workshops and brainstorming sessions. The process generated over 2,100 survey responses from residents across the City. Staff and the master planning consultant presented updates and sought direction from the Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council at multiple milestones throughout this process, spanning over five different meetings. Throughout this outreach, the community consistently identified walking paths, shade, playgrounds, picnic shelters, an aquatic center, and a community gathering space as top priorities — all of which were incorporated into the resulting plan. On July 19, 2023, the City Council formally adopted the City Park Master Plan.
Following adoption of the Master Plan, in the fall of 2023, the City conducted a competitive selection process for architectural and engineering design services, ultimately selecting RIOS, Inc. on November 11, 2023. The project design process commenced in December of 2023 and continued through multiple design consultations with the Parks and Recreation Commission and the City Council. During the October 16, 2024, City Council meeting, the concept design was approved and authorization was given to proceed with the creation of the construction document set. The council continued to receive updates on the project at 30% (January 2025), 60% (April 2025), and 90% (December 2025) construction design. Throughout the entire design process, specific and deliberate consideration was given to the historical value of the park, preservation of trees and shade, accessible walking paths, and the desires expressed by the community during outreach.
Because City Park holds the designation of Historic District HD-005 on the Corona Register of Historic Resources, a designation established by City Council Resolution in 2001, the project required review by the Historic Preservation Board (Board). The Board was formed while the City Park project was being designed. The Board held its inaugural meeting on September 30, 2025, during which it adopted rules and procedures and elected a Chair and Vice Chair. The Board first reviewed the City Park Revitalization Project on June 29, 2026 and granted approval on July 27, 2026. A summary of action from those meetings can be found below.
June 29, 2026 Historic Preservation Board Meeting
The City Park Revitalization Project (Project) was reviewed during a Public Hearing at the June 29, 2026 Historic Preservation Board (Board) meeting. The Board discussed a range of topics regarding the Project, provided feedback to staff, and continued the Public Hearing to the July 27, 2026 Board meeting date.
July 27, 2026 Historic Preservation Board Meeting
Following the item's continuance from the June 29, 2026 meeting, the Board reconvened on July 27, 2026, and further reviewed and considered the Project. After receiving public testimony and deliberating, the Board approved the Project, subject to additional conditions of approval, which were adopted by the Board as Condition No. 4, 5, and 6.
The additional conditions of approval are as follows:
4. Informational placards shall be placed in the park to convey the history of the following items; and if the items are physical objects, the placards are to be located in the vicinity of the item they describe.
Founders Monument (aka Founder’s Rock)
Circa-1913 drinking fountain
Fig and Bunya Trees (as identified in the project’s Tree Preservation Plan) Sunkist Air Compressor (steam engine)
The contribution of women to the City’s agricultural history Display of at least one “Acorn” style lighting fixture Development and evolution of City Park
Community events, recreation, sports, and contributions of Corona’s Mexican American community at City Park.
Civil rights history associated with City Park
5. The existing CHPS marker associated with the former Municipal Plunge shall be retained, and located to near the original site.
6. The condition of existing “acorn style” light fixtures within City Park shall be evaluated and, where feasible, preserved or donated to be used elsewhere in the City.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
City Park was constructed in 1913 and is Corona’s first and oldest public park outside of Grand Boulevard. In 2001, the City Council designated City Park as a historic district (HD-005) pursuant to Resolution No. 2001-051, which lists the following defining qualities and characteristics of City Park as a Historic District:
Geographically unified area.
Contains a significant concentration of contributing historic resources. Original/remaining landscaping, as well as the Founder’s Monument. Open space, picnic tables, shelters, landscaping, trees and shade, recreational opportunities, and the park’s “relaxing beauty.”
The park’s history as a gathering place for civic events, group gatherings, and games and sports, accessible to all residents.
The proposed alterations to City Park are summarized below. Community Center: Addition of a 64,323-square-foot building, which will contain community recreation and event space. The design features warm stucco walls and a prominent gable roof, inspired by the City's historic packing houses. Aquatics Center: The inclusion of a variety of water recreation facilities, restoring the recreational function of the original 1925 Municipal Plunge. “Community Canvas:” A new, centrally located open-air event space, intended to accommodate group gatherings and public events.
Playground, fitness and sports courts: Two new playgrounds that incorporate design elements from old citrus crates, covered picnic structures, a natural splash pad with historic-themed water towers and buckets, two basketball courts, and a skate park/pump track.
Landscaping: City Park was originally developed with over 1,600 plants and trees.
As part of the proposed alterations, 274 trees will be removed, 67 trees will be protected-in-place, 63 trees will be relocated, and 227 new trees will be planted (for a total of 357 trees). New groundcover and recreational turf will be added to improve aesthetics.
Parking, pedestrian and vehicular pathways: The inclusion of five new, or remodeled, surface parking lots containing a total of 325 spaces, along with meandering pedestrian pathways enhanced by signage and landscaping.
While the park has undergone numerous alterations over decades, including removal or replacement of landscaping, and removal of nearly all of the site’s original structures and amenities, four contributing historic resources will remain:
1. Founder’s Monument: Commemorates the founders of Corona; Founder’s Monument (Rock) will be moved to the front of the new community center within the park.
2. Sunkist Air Compressor (Steam Engine): Originally a component of a Sunkist agriculture plant located in the City, the compressor will be relocated between the new skate park and a playground within the park.
3. Drinking Fountain: Originally placed in 1913, the drinking fountain, which is no longer connected to the City’s water system, reflects the historical design of the park and will be moved to a passive green area within the park.
4. Landscaping (including a singular Moreton Bay Fig Tree): City Park will retain one historic fig tree and feature a total of 357 trees after planned tree removals, protections, relocations, and new plantings.
ANALYSIS – CRITERIA FOR CITY PARK REVITALIZATION PROJECT The proposed alterations to City Park are subject to the criteria under Section
17.63.120(C) of the Corona Municipal Code.
1) The distinguishing original qualities or character of the historic resource shall not be compromised. The removal or alteration of any historic material or distinctive architectural features should be avoided when possible.
Analysis:
The proposed alterations to City Park align with its defining qualities as cited in Resolution No. 2001-051. Open spaces will be developed to support community gatherings, with preserved and new trees enhancing the landscape and shade.
The aquatic center restores a past recreational function provided by the Municipal Plunge, and updated amenities will make City Park safer, more functional, and inviting for events and sports. Four historic resources (Founder's Rock, the Sunkist Air Compressor, drinking fountain, and mature trees, including the Moreton Bay Fig) will be preserved, with three of the historic resources relocated for better visibility and accessibility. The revitalization project maintains and improves City Park's character, while modernizing its facilities.
2) The colors, textures, materials, fenestration, decorative features and details, height, scale, massing and methods of construction proposed shall be consistent with the historic period and character-defining elements of the historic resource and compatible with adjacent structures.
Analysis:
The analysis evaluates the proposed park alterations for consistency with the defining qualities and character of City Park as cited in Resolution No. 2001-051.
The proposed buildings, recreational facilities, and site improvements have been designed to incorporate colors, materials, and architectural elements, including citrus imageries that reflect Corona's architectural and agricultural history. The scale of the new structures are appropriately sized within a 20-acre park site.
Overall, the proposed alterations and improvements will preserve and reinforce City Park as a community gathering place for visitors and residents, and will be compatible with the surrounding area.
Consistency with the Corona General Plan
The project, as proposed, is consistent with the General Plan as follows:
1. The project is consistent with the overall goals and policies of the Parks, Recreation, Cultural Arts, and Education Element of the General Plan.
2. The project is consistent with Goal HR-2 of the Historic Resources Element given it preserves City Park’s historic function as a community gathering place, while rehabilitating the site with modern public amenities, upgraded infrastructure, enhanced landscaping, and new recreational facilities that ensure its continued long-term use. The project retains key historic resources and incorporates design elements that promote the continued preservation and appreciation of this historic district.
3. The project is consistent with Goal LU-17 of the Land Use Element given it revitalizes City Park with compatible improvements that enhance public use, preserve its historic character, and reinforce its role as a focal point of Downtown Corona.
Consistency with the Secretary of Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation The project is consistent with the applicable Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation (36 C.F.R. § 67.7) given it:
Preserves City Park's historic function as the City's public gathering place, while enhancing the site with modern recreational amenities, buildings, landscaping, and infrastructure that support its continued long-term public use. Retains, relocates where appropriate, or replaces character-defining features, including mature trees and notable historic elements, in a manner that maintains the park's historic character.
Features compatible design elements, including colors, materials, and imagery that reflect Corona's architectural and agricultural history. Reestablishes City Park's role as a destination for community recreation and gathering, through the addition of a new aquatics center, open-air event area, and other recreational features.
Includes improvements that are appropriately scaled within the approximately 20- acre park.
Rehabilitates and revitalizes City Park in a manner that respects and preserves its historic significance while allowing it to continue serving the community.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The City of Corona Public Works Department is the applicant of this request; therefore, there is no application fee associated with this historic resource alteration application.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS:
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the City prepared an Addendum to the EIR previously certified on June 3, 2020, for the City’s 2020-2040 General Plan (SCH No. 2018081039). The Addendum, titled City Park Revitalization Project EIR Addendum, is attached as Exhibit 5. The City determined that the proposed City Park revitalization alterations and improvements would not result in any new significant environmental impacts or substantially increase the severity of impacts previously identified in the General Plan EIR. As a result, no additional environmental review is required under CEQA.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD ACTION:
At the July 27, 2026 meeting, the Historic Preservation Board considered the project alterations to City Park and took the following action:
Motion was made, seconded (Kalkanis/Bruckner), and carried that the Board adopt the Addendum to the certified General Plan Environmental Impact Report and Resolution No. 2689 granting the proposed alterations to City Park (MARD2026-0002), based on the findings contained in the staff report and conditions of approval, as modified to include additional conditions adopted by the Board.
The minutes of the Board meeting are included as Exhibit 6.
PREPARED BY: BRENDAN DALDE, ASSOCIATE PLANNER
REVIEWED BY: SANDRA VANIAN, PLANNING MANAGER
REVIEWED BY: DANNY CASTRO, PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR ATTACHMENTS:
1. Exhibit 1 – City Park Site Plan, Renderings and Tree Preservation Plan
2. Exhibit 2 – Conditions of Approval, as amended by the Historic Preservation Board on July 27, 2026
3. Exhibit 3 – Historic Preservation Board Staff Report dated June 29, 2026
4. Exhibit 4 – Historic Preservation Board Staff Report dated July 27, 2026
5. Exhibit 5 – General Plan EIR Addendum for the City Park Revitalization Project
6. Exhibit 6 – Draft Minutes of the Historic Preservation Board meeting of July 27, 2026