Despite another rainy day, 114 more acres were added Tuesday to Santa Clarita’s Open Space Preservation District.

The Taylor Open Space is a natural woodland adjacent to the northern end of Rivendale Ranch, also known as Towsley Canyon. The dedication brings the city’s open space acreage to 8,448, according to city officials.

About 20 people, including Weste, other council members and community members attended the rainy day ribbon-cutting.

“Open space is critical and vital to protecting the mountain range around the community,” said Mayor Laurene Weste.  “Maybe not today, but get out there and hike.” 

The goal is to one day, have residents be able to hike from your neighborhood out into open space, according to Weste.

“The Taylor property is an important link in the Santa Clarita greenbelt,” she added. “By bringing the property into public ownership under the city’s Open Space Preservation District, we are protecting an important wildlife corridor, safeguarding endangered wildlife and allowing residents to explore a new side of Towsley Canyon.”

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The Taylor open space is part of the Santa Clarita Conservation Corridor, an important wildlife corridor and habitat, according to city officials. The dedication placed the open space in public ownership to be preserved and enjoyed in perpetuity as a protected wildlife corridor and part of the city of Santa Clarita’s southern greenbelt.

Since its incorporation in 1987, the city has made significant efforts to preserve the greenbelt and undeveloped land within and outside the city.

Open Space Preservation District

Since the city’s incorporation in 1987, the city has made a significant effort to preserve the greenbelt and undeveloped land within and outside the city. 

Preserving open space in and around the city has always been an important priority for the community and City Council.  In July 2007, city of Santa Clarita property owners voted in favor of creating the Open Space Preservation District (OSPD). The District is designed to expand the city’s existing Open Space, Park and Parkland Program in order to preserve natural land from development, create more parks for community usage, and protect rare biological and geological regions.

The special assessment paid by city property owners gives the city a seat at the table to purchase land that could otherwise be developed and put pressure on the city’s precious natural resources. Additionally, the Open Space Preservation District greatly assists the city in preserving natural lands, retaining wildlife corridors, and completing the city’s greenbelt buffer.