Orange County Commissioner Betsy VanderLey hosted a virtual community meeting on September 8, unveiling the master plan for the future Horizon West Regional Park. The park is a 225-acre area, and this plan will encompass its future development over multiple phases.

Orange County has $10 million already approved to begin construction and design of the Horizon West Regional Park. The first phase will require heavy infrastructure improvements, putting water, electric, utility, and vehicle access to the property, along with the start of the trails throughout the park. The county received 48 items requested for the park that was received during the past feedback period, and 38 of those items are included in the plan. The park is divided into 4 distinct zones based on their use.

Orange County has already approved funding for Phase 1, and it has been expressed by District 1 Commissioner Betsy VanderLey to secure additional private partners and establish a 501(c)(3) to help increase funding and the pace of construction. With the election of Nicole Wilson to replace Betsy VanderLey on the Orange County Commission, Nicole Wilson’s opinion and prioritization of the Regional Park are unknown, and it’s uncertain if any effort will be put forth to secure additional private financing.

Construction of the Horizon West Regional Park will take place over 5 Phases, as funding will happen slowly over time allowing for additional improvements to the park. Construction for Phase 1 is planned to start in Winter 2021 and be completed by Fall 2022.

Feedback on Community Meeting #3 is open through September 29 and can be submitted at HorizonWestRegionalPark.org.