Everyone is invited to the grand opening of the City of Santa Clarita’s new 32-acre Todd Longshore Park on Saturday, December 15, 2007 at 11:00 a.m., located at 28151 Whites Canyon Road (at Whites and Canyon Crest) in Santa Clarita.

From the wood-covered shaded picnic tables and decorative stone covered pillars, to the old fashioned classic lights and 32 acres of natural open space, no expense or minor detail was left out in the design of this park.

The grand opening of the breath-taking new park, exactly on the day Santa Clarita became a city 20 years ago, will include a short ceremony, plus the Canyon High school band and cheerleaders, a free lunch courtesy of the SCV Lions Club and giveaways!

The park’s pristine view and unique structural design bring out the natural beauty of the Canyon Country area, making it one of the crown jewels of City parks.

The Todd Longshore Park is named after one of the first commissioners to serve on the City’s Parks Commission. Longshore passed away suddenly last year, but his commitment and dedication to this community will long be remembered.

“Todd served as a commissioner for over 16 years and was a true advocate for parks and recreation. Aside from serving as a dedicated commissioner, he served the Santa Clarita community as a volunteer coach in multiple youth sports for over 20 years and was also very involved in the Canyon High School Football program,” commented Rick Gould, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services for the City of Santa Clarita.

After a series of community meetings in 2003, the City incorporated into the design of the park, the ideas and suggestions of the public.

In 2004, the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Commission, along with the City Council, approved the master plan for this park and construction kicked off in November 2006.

The $4.5 million park includes improvements to five acres with the remainder of the 32- acre site left as natural open space and is part of the City’s Capital Improvement Program for beautification and improvement to the City of Santa Clarita.

The developed park site includes: two children’s play areas with a handicap accessible play area for children ages five to 12-years-old; a shaded picnic area and picnic tables; restrooms; a walking path; parking lot; grass amphitheatre area; vista points with seating; two-acres of open turf for passive play; and a very spectacular scenic overlook with seating areas, hiking trails, and trees.

Additionally during construction of the park, the City included improvements to the existing medians, roadway and traffic signal along Whites Canyon to make entrance to the park accessible and safe.

“The Todd Longshore Parks has the best view of any park in the City and was designed to highlight the area’s natural beauty and terrain. With its beautiful overlook of the valley, picnic areas and hiking trails, the Todd Longshore Park is a “must see” for families,” added Gould.

For more information about the Todd Longshore Park or to RSVP for the grand opening, call (661) 255-4939 or visit www.santa-clarita.com.