San Clemente leaders are considering a proposal to expand the community amphitheater at Forster Ranch Community Park, aiming for a capacity of up to 600 attendees. This comes after several years of exploring potential locations for a public performance venue. During an August city council meeting, staff members presented their findings on site options, with city council members indicating that expanding the existing facility at Forster Ranch might be the most favorable approach.
The city has been exploring the concept of a community amphitheater for several years, driven by supporters who claim it would promote local arts and culture. Community support for the idea has reportedly persisted over time. The small stage currently at Forster Ranch is primarily used for citywide activities like “Movies in the Park” but is consistently underutilized, according to community members.
Staff members narrowed potential locations to Forster Ranch Community Park and Steed Park on Avenida La Plata. Steed Park represents an undeveloped site with a natural slope and bowl shape, features that staff indicated would simplify construction by avoiding the need for extensive reshaping. Improvements there would primarily involve adding outdoor seating. The site's proximity to a parking lot, which could serve as storage, was also noted in the staff report.
In contrast, Forster Ranch Community Park already possesses an existing stage and a natural bowl shape. City staff identified these existing assets as factors that could simplify and reduce the cost of constructing an amphitheater, deeming it more economical to update an existing facility rather than starting from scratch. Potential improvements could include adding seating, though this might involve reconfiguring nearby green space, including grass, trees, and shrubbery near the parking lot, as noted by city staff.
Several city officials expressed surprise at the existing stage. City Councilmember Steve Knoblock stated at the August meeting, “I think this asset is a real gem,” further adding he “wasn’t aware of it quite frankly.” Mayor Rick Loeffler similarly remarked that “We have an amphitheater in Forster Ranch Park,” and indicated he “didn’t know that.” City Councilmember Mark Enemier spoke of a vision for diverse activities, including “summer concerts and summer plays and even middle school productions,” highlighting its potential as a “multi-use” venue for both the city and the adjacent school.
A significant aspect of the Forster Ranch proposal is the possibility of a mutually beneficial partnership with the adjacent Capistrano Unified School District property. The city and the school district already have an existing joint-use agreement for the park, specifically for soccer field use and upkeep, as outlined in the Forster Ranch Specific Plan. Staff suggested that a new agreement could include benefits such as the installation of a security fence and the school district gaining access to the area for its activities.
Based on staff analysis, Forster Ranch Community Park is considered the more favorable location due to its existing infrastructure and the potential for lower development costs compared to a new build. Following the August presentation, city council members directed staff to conduct deeper research into both locations. This further review is expected to assess necessary upgrades and evaluate the environmental and financial impacts before any option is advanced. City Manager Andy Hall confirmed that no final decisions have been made, stating via email that the city is “continuing to explore the best potential use of the existing amphitheater.” Hall also noted that staff had met with some neighbors to gather input. City Clerk Laura Campagnolo indicated that council members are expected to discuss the amphitheater again during their meeting scheduled for November 10.
