The City of Poway celebrated the addition of more than 80 parking spaces at two of the city’s most popular recreation destinations: Iron Mountain trail and Lake Poway Recreational Park. The projects were designed to increase visitor access and safety.
“Poway is so well known for its open space and trails folks come from near and far to enjoy them,” said Poway Mayor Steve Vaus. “Projects like these are an important way we can ensure that visitors and residents alike have an exceptional experience.”
Parking at both locations have long been at a premium during peak use. At Iron Mountain, rangers estimate more than 300 hikers are on the trail at any given time during busy weekends. In 2007, the city built a 100-space lot to alleviate hikers parking and walking along Highway 67. The current project added 20 spaces and was made possible through city funds and the County of San Diego Neighborhood Reinvestment Program (NRP). The NRP grants help fund community, social, educational, environmental, cultural and recreational needs.
The Lake Poway project adds 61 spaces interspersed throughout the city’s largest recreational park. The park is also a popular spot for hikers heading up to the famed “Potato Chip Rock” on Mt. Woodson, one of San Diego County’s most popular selfie destinations. The lot’s design minimized the loss of natural landscaping and existing trees while saving the park water by removing grass. Other improvements included a new stage for Poway’s summer concert series.
A ribbon cutting ceremony marked the project’s completion, with remarks by both Mayor Vaus and San Diego County Supervisor Dianne Jacob.
“It’s great to team up with Poway,” Jacob said. “This project is just one small piece of a much bigger vision for the area. The city and county are working closely to open up recreational opportunities for hikers, riders and others.”
Jacob shared that efforts are underway to create a network of trails that will someday link Iron Mountain, Dos Picos County Park, Mt. Woodson, Lake Poway and other recreational treasures. She said that the County just learned it’s due to receive a $200,000 state habitat conservation grant to help buy 160 of the 800 acres they are focusing to preserve.