The city of Santa Ana has long been in the process of new renovations, forming a new dynamic in our beautiful city and shifting its infrastructure for a better tomorrow.
Our city’s workers have been laboring to launch a wave of major upgrades—from the new Memorial Park Aquatics Center, to the $13.4 million improvements at Centennial Park. Our city plans to roll out nearly $54 million in infrastructure projects over the 2025-2026 period. These changes matter because construction is beginning and residents will soon feel the benefits of modernized parks and streets—but also the short-term disruptions, noise and detours.
Major Projects Underway
One of the city’s largest projects is the reconstruction of Memorial Park’s Aquatic Center. Construction crews are replacing the old building with a more modern, two-pool complex and community center. Construction started early 2025 and is expected to finish in 2026.
Councilwoman Jessie Lopez, shares some new changes we are expected to see in Santa Ana.
“At Centennial Park, we just broke ground on $13.4 million in improvements that include synthetic turf fields, trails that connect to the Santa Ana River, a lakeside event area, Santa Ana’s first dedicated dog park, upgraded lighting, and a new police training simulation center,” Lopez said.
The city’s Capital Improvement Program budget is nearly $54 million for street repairs, traffic safety upgrades, utility improvements and public facilities. The Planning Division is also moving major housing and mixed-use proposals identified in the city’s Major Planning Projects report forward.
What does it mean for residents?
City officials say that the upgrades are aimed toward expanding access to parks, improving mobility and modernizing aging facilities.
“These projects are designed to improve daily quality of life,” Lopez said.
City officials are aware of the temporary disruptions caused by construction and they are coordinating project phases and working with other agencies to minimize the trouble towards residents and businesses.
Prioritizing Sustainability
The city is making sure to incorporate sustainability into all major projects. The upcoming Memorial Park Aquatics Center will operate as an all electric facility. Improvements for Centennial Park include LED sports lighting, drought-tolerant landscaping and updated irrigation system.
“Santa Ana is intentionally integrating sustainability into major projects,” Lopez said.
All of Santa Ana’s major projects undergo review, under the California Environmental Quality Act. That states “CEQA requires public agencies to ‘look before they leap’ and consider the environmental consequences of their discretionary actions.” Also, they must align with design guidelines mainly focused on climate resilience and stormwater management.
Preserving cultural identity
Even though Santa Ana is undergoing many changes, they still plan to honor and preserve the city’s history. At Memorial Park, the city plans to restore and maintain “Chicano Gothic,” a 1987 mural by artist Emigdio Vasquez.
“Modernization in Santa Ana has to go hand in hand with honoring our history and culture,” Lopez said.
Community Input
Under the city’s Sunshine Ordinance, major construction projects are required to undergo community meetings and multilingual outreach.
“Community input is central to how we plan…We hold community workshops, share draft designs, and adjust plans based on what families, youth, seniors, and nearby businesses tell us they need.” Lopez said.
Economic impact
City leaders said that the development wave will create new construction jobs and opportunities for small businesses. With upcoming parks and community centers, they will require positions in recreation, maintenance, public safety training and youth programs.
Concerns
The construction of the OC Streetcar disrupts local businesses and reduces access for on-foot traffic.
“I am committed to ensuring that new investments lift up Santa Ana’s cultural identity and support long-time residents and local businesses instead of displacing them,” Lopez said.
