Orange Park To Be Named After Steve Ambriz

From yesterday's Orange City News:

Ambriz Memorial Park may come soon
Developer Del Rio proposes naming new 10-acre park after former councilman.

By COURTNEY BACALSO
The Orange County Register

Steve Ambriz spent much time as a councilman ensuring that a park be named after former Mayor Pro-tem Fred Barrera.

Now, community members are ensuring that Ambriz, who died in a car crash in May, receives his.

At Tuesday's City Council meeting, Frank Elfend proposed naming a sports park in the future Del Rio development after Ambriz.

Representing the developer, Elfend said Ambriz worked hard to make sure Barrera would be recognized in his lifetime. Barrera Park, in the Serrano Heights area of Orange, will be dedicated Tuesday.

"It just seems fitting that we do this for (Ambriz)," Elfend said, "especially since he had such a hand in planning this park."

Del Rio Park is a 10-acre sports park which will feature two tennis courts, two baseball fields, bike and walk trails and a tot lot with a water play area.

The park will also have a basketball court, which Ambriz advocated because of his fond memories of playing with Councilman Jon Dumitru when they were kids.

Elfend said he hopes to rename it the Steve Ambriz Memorial Park.

Ambriz's wife Bridget and 3-year-old daughter Kaitlyn were on hand at the meeting giving their approval for the proposal.

"We received so many phone calls from residents about renaming one of our existing parks day after he passed a way," Councilwoman Carolyn Cavecche said. "This just seems so much better than naming one of our smaller parks after him."

Council instructed city staff to prepare a report on the proposal.

"The section for the children, especially with the water play, will be great," Councilwoman Tita Smith said, "especially since it's been modeled after Kaitlyn's love of play."