BY CLAUDINE STINES

Walnut – The purpose of our presence at the Walnut Family Festival was to make a difference in our community and continue to bring awareness of the need for an aquatic park.  This year, we gave residents the opportunity to view the proposed drawing of the aquatic park and amphitheater and to increase our data base in order to keep residents informed.

Our presence at the festival was well received.  Additionally, after one year, we continue to receive an overwhelming amount of positive comments. All questions posed to volunteers at the booth centered on the aquatic park and when it would be built. Certainly, I wanted to say next year, but will continue to keep you informed of the City’s progress.

Walnut Aquatic Park Conceptual Drawing (Photo Courtesy: Claudine Stines)

While the schematic of the proposed site of the aquatic park was displayed and its location identified (Sierra Alta Road intersection and entry into the park, west of the soccer fields, and even sighting Westhoff Elementary School), attendees looking at the conceptual drawing could not grasp the exact location. Suggestions were made to place signage at the proposed site on Amar Road identifying the exact location.  The sign currently in the proposed area of the site states, “Walnut Ranch Park Expansion,” which was placed there by the previous developer.

The community liked the idea of the elevated water temperature in the vicinity considered recreation/therapeutic pools, 6-lane lap pool, zero to four feet entry pool and River Current Channel.  The age group varied and included both men and women.  Seniors just liked the therapeutic area, period.

Additionally, it was asked if the Recreation Building could include a ballroom with a capacity of 500 people and additional classrooms as promised.  Some years ago Walnut residents were invited to a Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to identify what they would like to see in this facility; hence the comments.  For those of you who are not familiar with the Diamond Bar facility, the banquet room has seating for 800 plus people, which is continually booked, and, not because it is low-priced.

Finally, young parents really liked the Spray Park with zero depth. The Amphitheater and additional parking for the soccer field were also well received. Naturally, our young adults and teens wanted to know when the water slides would be built.

In no particular order, please join me in thanking those volunteers who have always been there to support our efforts. Without you, we wouldn’t have had a booth at the Festival.

• Paul and Linda Yang, from Walnut Signs, for our two banners and translating our flyer into Chinese.
• Venessa Pai, for attaching ribbons to over 1,000 pictures.
• Michel Paulson and Jackie, Golden Spoon Representatives, who walked the festival passing out brochures and Golden Spoon coupons wearing Walnut Aquatic posters.
• Sharon Walker, a Red Hat Lady.
• Noni Nabong-Cabote.
• Lily Tseng.
• Roger Peng.
• Angel Lin.
• Magdalena DeZubiria and Nicholas.
• Shelly Rzonka and Family.
• Jodie Lepp and Friends.
• Kenny Silverberg.
• The Manuel Family.