Community Projects Transform Lake Forest

More than $7 million was invested into the community in the last quarter of 2023 through various Capital Improvement Projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life for Lake Forest residents and businesses. 

The City Council approved in June 2023 the City's 2023-2030 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) comprised of 68 projects. Staff completed four projects at the end of 2023, bringing the total number of projects completed in the first year of the CIP to 13. 

El Toro Park saw the most improvements in the last quarter of 2023 with electrical upgrades to equipment, the replacement of the fence along the catch basin, and gates installed at the park restrooms. Funds from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) were allocated to complete these park improvements. Public Works also completed Phase 13 of the CDBG ADA Ramps and finished the widening project on El Toro Road and Portola Parkway, adding dual turn lanes westbound and eastbound. Other projects completed throughout last year include Phase 3 of Audible Pedestrian Signals, lights at Portola Park's Pickleball and Volleyball courts as well as the Dog Park, and renovations at six city parks. 

Several CIP projects are underway to kick off the new year. The first quarter of 2024 will see:

- Nearly 90 trees be planted throughout the City as part of the Street Parkway Tree Replacement Program.

- Street signs in southwest Lake Forest be replaced with the new blue street sign design. 

- The Lake Forest Sports Park and Recreation Center parking lot and select neighborhoods slurry sealed. 

- The utilities on Bake Parkway and Trabuco Road be relocated as part of the City's street widening project.

The remaining projects for this year consist of lighting at Heroes Park, synthetic turf replacement at Barker Ranch Dog Park, annual sidewalk repairs, median improvements, street widening, park upgrades, and more. City staff will provide updates on these improvements quarterly and post additional information on the City's social media channels and website.

Click here for more details on the upcoming CIP projects this year.