Santee’s parks and recreation properties have been designed with families in mind — a dominant segment of the city’s 55,000 residents. And by the time the city is fully built out, 25 percent of its 17 square miles will be in open space.

John Coates, Santee’s director of community services, says city planners for years have developed ambitious plans for open spaces and parks and have stayed true to that. “Because of all the interest in the development community, we are starting to develop park fees and utility fees,” says Coates. “Timing has a lot to do with it.”

The city has set aside $1.6 million for another restoration of the 58-acre Mast Park to include playgrounds and more lawn and picnic areas. The park will grow significantly when the city takes title to 43 acres from The Environmental Trust.

One of the city’s biggest challenges is a habitat restoration of the San Diego River. As part of the development of the Town Center Community Park on the north bank, and the Riverview housing development on the south bank, the restoration will include relandscaping with native vegetation and trails on the north and south sides.

The 190-acre Santee Lakes Recreational Preserve, owned and operated by Padre Dam Municipal Water District, will benefit from up to $11 million in renovations approved by the Santee City Council. New recreational vehicle spaces, expanded clubhouse and cabins are part of the restoration, scheduled to begin early next year.

The City Aquatic Center and a YMCA facility were opened in 2003 as the first phase of the 55-acre Town Center Community Park. A second phase will be started next year that will include soccer fields and a $20 million softball complex operated by Sportsplex USA to be called Sportsplex Santee.

The city also is investing money in Santee School District playing fields, including $200,000 toward improvements to the football stadium at Santana High School.

Santee officials also boast that the largest urban park in the United States — Mission Trails Regional Park — is on its western boundaries. It contains 5,700 acres of parkland and habitat areas.

— Manny Cruz