The Park at Rispin Mansion

The Rispin Park is a 5.7-acre parcel that is situated along the western bank of Soquel Creek in the City of Capitola.  It is the site of the historic Rispin Mansion built by Henry Allen Rispin in 1921, and the entire property was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991 (#91000286).  Much of the property is covered in with mature trees and riparian habitat along the creek.  The site is accessed either from Wharf Road to the west, or via a pedestrian/bicycle bridge to the east.  The City has owned the property since the 1980s and made unsuccessful efforts to develop the site for a commercial hotel.  In 2009 the mansion was damaged by a fire, and in 2011 the City entombed the building by reconstructing the fire damaged roof and flooring, and closing all openings to prevent further vandalism.  The City has now committed to turning the property into a city park, and planning includes completing ADA ramps to the mansion level, restoring the fountain and stairway, regrading pathways, and restoring the historic landscaping.  In 2014 the City received a grant from the State Housing and Community Development Agency for park development.

Workshops held:

The City held a public workshop on February 7, 2015, to discuss plans for the Rispin Mansion Park on Wharf Road and Clares Street.  

A second public workshop was held on April 11, 2015.  Preliminary drawings prepared by Michael Arnone + Associates, Landscape Architects were presented. 

On Thursday, May 28, 2015, the City Council considered a conceptual project scope with the proposed design plans.