Rispin Park Project

In July 2014, the City of Capitola was awarded with a $383,000 grant from the State of California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to make improvements to the Rispin property.  The grant monies, combined with City funds, will be used to restore the Rispin Mansion grounds to create an approximately .86-acre community park that provides primarily passive recreational opportunities with a focus on the site’s cultural, historical, and open space resources.  The project has been designed to be consistent with the historic architectural style of the mansion and to promote public awareness of the Mansion’s significant contribution to Capitola’s history. 

The project would include restoration of several historic features of the property, including the entry staircase, grand staircase, reflection pool, sundial, fountain, arbor, interior walls, and other ornamental elements.  New amenities proposed for the park include an amphitheater, benches, trash receptacles, a bocce ball court, a children’s nature play area, chess tables, planters, bike racks, a drinking fountain, security lighting, interpretative displays and signage, ADA compliant pathways, gardens, and landscaping.  The project would also include a native oak demonstration garden and a Monarch butterfly demonstration garden.  Site development would require approximately 380 cubic yards of earthwork.  There are no improvements or alterations proposed to the Mansion.

 The City Council has approved a conceptual design and the Planning Commission will consider applications for a Conditional Use Permit, Design Permit, and a Coastal Development Permit at their October 1, 2015 hearing.  A copy of of the design plans and previously certified EIR can be found at the bottom of this page.