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Costa Mesa’s Lions Park, a once-thriving Westside community hub that suffered from years of neglect, is undergoing a local renaissance as the city completes a series of building projects designed to reinvigorate a neighborhood that has historically lacked crucial amenities.
During a ribbon-cutting ceremony Saturday, city officials celebrated the opening of a brand-new Norma Hertzog Community Center, named after Costa Mesa’s first female councilwoman and mayor, as well as a newly renovated Lions Park playground.
Arlis Reynolds, Costa Mesa 5th District council member, speaks during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
(Kevin Chang / Staff Photographer)
In addition to a completely repainted Korean War-era Grumman F9F Panther jet on the playground which gives the park its local nickname “Airplane Park,” several new play areas, pieces of equipment and a padded surface will inspire countless hours of play.