Menifee looks to preserve open space

Menifee plans to purchase 398 acres of open space to ensure that land remains available to the public for recreational use.

The city council recently approved spending $1.1 million to buy 19 parcels on the east side of the city known collectively as Menifee Hill, according to a statement on Menifee’s website.

The parcels, which are available for less than market value, are west of Menifee Road, north of Aldergate Drive, east of Antelope Road, and south of McCall Boulevard. Their owners were not disclosed.

“Providing more recreational opportunities, and preserving open space, have been requests we continue to receive from the community,” said Mayor Ricky Estrada in the statement. “This land purchase presented a historic opportunity to accomplish both these objectives and ensure that these hills remain untouched by development.”

City staff is considering possible improvements to the property based on Menifee’s parks master plan, according to the statement.