Celebrating Cityhood

On December 15, 2025, the City of Santa Clarita celebrated 38 years of Cityhood. There is no doubt that incorporation has transformed our community. Locally-generated tax dollars are spent right here in Santa Clarita and are used to build our new parks, trails, roads, bridges and sidewalks, and for street improvements and transportation amenities. Our focus on neighborhood safety, keeping our community clean, bringing in more jobs and improving local traffic are top priorities every day.
Thanks to the leadership of our City Council, we now enjoy 40 amazing parks, more than 13,000 acres of preserved open space, 100 miles of off-street trails, a calendar full of engaging events, three Santa Clarita Public Library Branches, three community centers, well-maintained roadways and many other facilities where residents can learn and get active.
As we move into the new year, there are even more exciting City projects on the horizon. Our next five-year strategic plan, Santa Clarita Pathway Forward, contains 79 action items which will continue to enhance the quality of life for our residents. Some of the highlights include the construction of The Rink Sports Pavilion. When this new facility opens later this year, it will bring new opportunities for recreation, youth programs and community events. The 25,000-square-foot pavilion will feature a 12,000-square-foot skating surface that can transform into a multisport arena with a full-sized basketball court, three pickleball courts, a volleyball overlay and stadium seating. Beyond sports, this versatile space will accommodate birthday parties, special events and community gatherings, with features like a commercial kitchen, a DJ booth and dining areas, making The Rink a hub for celebration and play.
A big push that will continue in this new strategic plan, is to support the Castaic Animal Care Center and other local non-profits serving our animal population. The goal is to increase awareness of adoptable animals and expand access to spay and neuter services.
Enhancing circulation and safety on City streets remains a priority. The Annual Overlay and Slurry Seal Program plays a key role in that, ensuring high-quality roadways throughout the City. In addition, more circulation upgrades are in the works to improve intersection safety and enhance traffic flow. If you are heading to the City’s premier Arts and Entertainment District of Old Town Newhall, we are working to increase parking along Main Street through a public/private partnership that aligns with the Old Town Newhall Specific Plan.
Santa Clarita continues to be ranked as one of the safest cities in the nation. We will continue to build upon this reputation through enhanced collaboration with the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station, new technology for elevated efficiencies, public education and increased engagement between the community and local law enforcement.
We have so much to celebrate, looking back on 38 years of Cityhood and so much to look forward to in the next five years through Santa Clarita Pathway Forward. You can check out all the action items in the plan by visiting SantaClarita.gov.

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