The City of Costa Mesa will reopen several select Fairview Park trails beginning Saturday, May 9, as part of a phased-in opening that will allow active park goers access to certain sections of the city’s most treasured open spaces that have been closed since mid-March.

Signage will be posted at Fairview Park for visitors to identify open and closed trails.

“Some of the hardest decisions we had to make as a City Council was to shut down parks and city facilities to stop the spread of COVID-19,” Mayor Katrina Foley said. “But the result has been worth it as we have some of the lowest cases of the disease in the county and after opening most City parks and the golf course last week, I’m pleased to announce we can now open some Fairview Park trails to our residents who have been so patient during this time.”

The park, like other City parks that are open, will be open for active use only, such as walking, running, and biking. No stopping or gatherings will be allowed and the public is required to maintain social distancing on the trails.

Fairview Park encompasses 208 acres, which is larger than all of the City’s other park spaces combined.  In addition, it is home to five different natural habitat environments and more than 30 special species in the open space areas.  Most of these species fall under special protective environmental law and some areas protected by preservation agreements with the City.

“The closure of Fairview Park created a significant change in the environment for the natural inhabitants – the flora and fauna,” said Fairview Park Administrator Cynthia D’Agosta. “You’ve seen the stories of Yosemite Park, Griffith Park, and even the beaches of Catalina, currently seeing species behavior not seen in decades. The Fairview Park environment has had little foot or bicycle traffic, noise, or dogs for weeks, demonstrating some of the same effects.”

The City is hopeful that the methodical, well-planned and organized reopening of this gem in the City will help ensure that the public is able to maintain access to the park and reap the mental, physical, and emotional benefits of being outdoors, while also protecting some of the special characteristics and unique resources of the park.

For a map of the open trails, please click on this link or visit the Fairview Park page on the City’s website at https://www.costamesaca.gov/residents/fairview-park.