SANTEE, Calif. (KGTV) — Santee's $10-million renovation of Mast Park is ready for the public to enjoy.
The city will hold a grand opening of the 80-acre park on Saturday, Feb. 1, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Mast Park's transformation has more than doubled the park's usable space, including features like an expanded dog park, updated playground equipment and natural play structures like tree trunks, a lighted loop trail path, and new nine-hole disc golf course. The new course is slated to open in spring 2020.
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"Mast Park is one of the oldest parks in Santee, a park that families have loved for decades. But now, it is brand new, and will be enjoyed for decades more, said Bill Maertz, the city's community services director.
The dog park areas have also been modeled for spaces dedicated to puppies, small dogs, and large dogs.
Part of Mast Park's renovation included providing a space for families to congregate. This led to the addition of three rentable picnic pavilions and a concession stand offering gourmet burgers and craft beer. Restroom facilities and a basketball court have also been updated.
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The park's foliage will also appear different now with the addition of drought-tolerant and native plants — mixed in with some trees that have stood for 100 years. Channels designed to collect stormwater and remove trash and sediments before they hit the nearby San Diego River have also been added. A dozen bridges allow walkers and runners to traverse over small waterways.
"We are extremely proud of this project and look forward to seeing all the smiling children playing on the playgrounds, dogs running free in the dog parks, and families enjoying this unique community asset," Maertz added.
