Villa Park Knowles is a strip of land on the east side of Wanda Road between Lincoln Street and Villa Park Road. Improvements will also be made on the corner of Wanda Road and Collins Avenue. Improvements are being made to convert the area to a lush greenspace and pathway with native plants, benches, exercise equipment, and a dog station.
Groundbreaking for the Villa Park Knowles Project was on November 1, 2021 with completion expected in early 2022. The walking path will be made of decomposed granite and the path will be surrounded by various plant life including wildflowers, succulents, fruit trees, and native shrubbery. There will also be signage erected along the path with vintage art reflecting the city’s roots in citrus farming.
Location: North Wanda Rd, Villa Park, CA 92861; On North Wanda Road extending from Villa Park Rd. to Collins Avenue.
Villa Park Knowles Features
- Decomposed granite walking path
- Exercise equipment
- Benches
- Dog waste stations
- Plant life
- Shrubs: Agave Americana, Agave Attenuata, Dendromecon Harfordii, Elymus Condensatus, Hesperaloe Parviflora, Muhlenbergia Capillaris, Rhus Ovata, Salvia Clevlandii
- Seed: Wildflower mix
- Ground Cover: Acacia Redolens, Sencio Serpens, Tradescantia Pallida
- Gravel: Decomposed granite as mulch (located at monument signs)
- Signage reflecting City’s history
Mike Knowles
Villa Park Knowles is named in honor of Mike Knowles in honor of over thirty years of service to the city of Villa Park. As maintenance supervisor, Knowles worked with countless residents, city organizations, and nonprofits to keep Villa Park in amazing condition. The groundbreaking of the project was held on Mr. Knowles’ 64th birthday. City Manager Steve Franks is expected to install a plaque for Mike Knowles along the greenbelt as well, honoring him as “the unofficial mayor of the city”.
Funding for the Villa Park Knowles project included $80,000 of city funds, grant money, and a donation from the Villa Park Community Services Foundation.
The property where The Villa Park Knowles project is located was originally purchased for 37 cents per square foot, back when Councilmembers/Mayors Wayne Silzel and John Frackelton served on council.
Here is a look at the plans for the Villa Park Knowles Project, and a collection of the plant life you’ll see in the new and improved greenspace!
