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August 24, 2026
Sent via email to: JHildenbrand@cityoforange.org
Jarad Hildenbrand
City Manager
300 East Chapman Avenue
Orange, CA, 92866
Re: Support Agenda Item 9.1 (File: 26-0482) Agreements related to the restoration and future
conveyance to the City of 67.7-acre of the former Sully-Miller property for permanent public
open space.
Dear Mr. Hildenbrand:
Orange Park Association is a non-profit organization formed in 1960 to protect the rural
equestrian area known as Orange Park Acres (OPA) that was established in 1928.
The Orange Park Acres Specific Plan was adopted by the City of Orange in 1973. A significant
portion of OPA is encompassed in the Santiago Creek Greenbelt Plan, which was adopted by the
city in 1971. A major portion of the Sully-Miller site, located along Santiago Creek, is within
Orange Park Acres and included in the Greenbelt Plan.
The OPA Plan promotes (1) The Santiago Creek Greenbelt Plan (2) the phasing-out of gravel pit
operations along Santiago Creek and the restoration of natural amenities within the area, and
(3) the preservation of Santiago Creek as a balanced ecological system and riparian area,
maintaining the diversity of plant and vertebrate species while allowing for light recreational
use such as equestrian, hiking trails and agriculture.
The agreements before the City Council are in alignment with the OPA Plan. This effort is a
remarkable opportunity to fulfill the long-term open space vision for the Santiago Creek
corridor, trails, natural resources, and adds tremendous value to the rural character of the
surrounding area.
Orange Park Association supports the recommended actions and urges the City Council to
approve them.
We appreciate the work that has been done by the various parties to create the pathway to
transform the Sully Miller property for open-space use and ultimately transferred to the City for
permanent public ownership.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this matter. Please include OPA in any future
correspondence or notices.
Sincerely,
Sherry Panttaja
Sherry Panttaja
President, Orange Park Association
I support this agreement and the eventual conversion of this land to open-space. I would only caution how soil remediation will be addressed and funded.