Tustin · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tustin public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Tustin Legacy Park Sculpture Walk Call for Artists
The first juror is now on board for the Sculpture Walk, and seven artists have already applied through the Call for Artists, which closes December 31. Phase Two of the park — with three more sculpture spots — is headed to construction, with the park targeted for fall 2027.
Micro gallery donation to Arvida Book Company Foundation
A tiny art gallery box built by high school students now sits outside Arvida Books in Old Town, and the commission formally gave it to the Arvida Book Company Foundation to curate. It's like a little free library, but for art that stays put.
Halloween Howl Relocation and Expansion
After 25 years at Columbus Tustin Recreation Center, Halloween Howl moves to the Tustin Library Courtyard with a police trunk-or-treat, inflatable maze, sensory room, and three food trucks. Parking is the main concern since the neighboring auditorium is a voting center.
Tustin Tiller Days Festival Planning and Participation
Plans are underway for the annual Tustin Tiller Days festival, featuring carnival rides, a VIP kickoff dinner, a pancake breakfast, and a special ribbon-cutting for a new Old Town gateway sign. Commissioners reviewed event schedules, parade floats, and shuttle logistics.
Functional Art Park Bench Project at Metrolink Station
Artist RFX1's geometric design was selected for a new functional art bench at the Tustin Metrolink Station, enhancing the commuter experience with Korean painting-inspired public art.
Frontier Park Disc Golf Safety Concerns
A local resident brought up serious safety hazards at Frontier Park, where an overlapping disc golf course has led to multiple people getting struck by flying discs, urging the city to relocate the course or install better barriers.
Senior Transportation Program Expansion
The city is applying for a $371,760 OCTA grant to purchase ADA-accessible minivans and hire part-time staff to expand transportation services for seniors and people with disabilities, including Saturday service.
Special Event Evaluations
The commission reviewed successful summer community events and discussed preparations for upcoming fall festivals.
Public Art Priority List & Strategic Goals
The commission updated its strategic goals and project priority list, focusing on diversifying art mediums like planter boxes and sculpture walks.
Seven-Year Capital Improvement Program Priority List
The commission reviewed and approved the city's 7-year plan for park upgrades and facility investments, prioritizing projects like the Tustin Family Youth Center playground renovation and ball field turf improvements.
Summer Event Programming and Community Engagement
The city is gearing up for a bustling summer of community events, including the Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off, Sunset Market, Concerts and Movies in the Park, and the 4th of July Celebration. Commissioners discussed ways to increase their visibility and engagement with residents at these events.
Park Maintenance, Capital Improvements, and Public Art
Commissioners reviewed park inspection notes, addressing maintenance issues like drainage, equipment wear, and future upgrades such as the Cedar Grove Park bamboo climbing structure.
250th Anniversary America Commemoration
Tustin is planning a major celebration on June 25 to mark 250 years since the Declaration of Independence. The event will feature a 250-flag field of honor, a Coastal Live Oak planting, student art and essay displays, and a keynote address by a descendant of Benjamin Franklin.
Strategic Priorities and Program Expansion
Commissioners are updating their long-term goals to include more community engagement, diverse art mediums, and potential future projects like underpass murals.
Camino Real Park Playground and CIP Updates
Camino Real Park's new playground is nearing completion with modern accessible features and safety surfacing, ahead of picnic shelter construction.
Interactive Public Art Story Map Launch
The city launched a brand-new digital story map that lets residents easily tour all 25 public art pieces across Tustin online or on their phones. Staff created the tool to make local art more accessible and engaging.
Bark Barracks Dog Park Temporary Closure
Heavy use at Bark Barracks dog park has left the grass sparse in the large dog area, prompting city staff to look into temporary annual closures for overseeding and turf renovation. While closing the park temporarily will be inconvenient, it will ensure healthier grass year-round.
Tustin Family and Youth Center Community Mural
Artist Luis Barajas is developing concept designs for a community-engaging mural at the Tustin Family and Youth Center. A second public input meeting is scheduled to gather resident feedback on the proposed designs.
Micro Galleries Pilot Project
The commission advanced a pilot Micro Gallery Public Art Program in partnership with the Tustin Unified School District to showcase student artwork. Staff reported that construction costs may be donated through the Samweli Foundation, and a draft MOU was reviewed.
Activity Guide Redesign and Registration Updates
The city rolled out a fresh, magazine-style layout for its quarterly activity guide and reported strong spring registration numbers, with summer day camps filling up fast. To better serve residents, the city announced plans to give Tustin residents an exclusive full-day head start on summer registration starting in May.
2026 Historic and Cultural Resources Advisor Work Program
The commission reviewed past preservation accomplishments and approved the 2026 work program, which includes educational tours, website updates, and plaque nominations.
Heideman School Park Development
The city is moving forward with a new park project in southwest Tustin to expand recreational space in an underserved neighborhood. Funded in part by a state grant, construction is expected to start in June 2026.
Spring Community Special Events and Volunteer Support
The commission is actively planning and volunteering for upcoming spring community events, such as Bingo Night, the Easter egg hunt, and the Street Fair and Chili Cook-off.
Pilot Tustin Community Support Grants Program
The council approved a new pilot community grant program funded at $55,000 to be administered in partnership with the Tustin Community Foundation.