Spirit Park Begins to Take Shape in Audie Murphy Ranch

Structures and recreational courts are taking shape along Newport Road on the site of what will become Spirit Park.

Construction is continuing on a new park on the north side of Newport Road, highlighting the most recent phase of the Audie Murphy Ranch housing development.

The Menifee City Council on Wednesday approved Spirit Park as the name for the 8.78-acre park, which will be located on the northeast corner of Newport Road and Berea Road. The park will include two lighted tennis courts, a multi-use court, two lighted basketball courts, two tot lot play areas, a shade structure and a memorial garden with trees and seasonal plants. There will also be a parking lot with 65 spaces.

The park will be located just east of the new Silvercreek development by KB Home. Silvercreek is accessible through Derby Hill Drive and Sergeant Kelly Drive, on the opposite side of Newport Road from the Audie Murphy Ranch Sports Park. Land is graded, structures are partially erected and concrete has been laid for the tennis and basketball courts at Spirit Park. No grand opening date has been announced.

City officials announced that the park was named Spirit Park "to dually recognize the military legacy of Audie Murphy and local veterans, and to pay homage to the Native American heritage and history of the region." City council member Matt Liesemeyer was appointed by Mayor Scott Mann to serve on an ad hoc committee working with the Parks, Recreation and Trails Commission to select a suitable name.

Spirit Park was one of several requirements of Brookfield Residential, the primary developer of Audie Murphy Ranch, in developing the planned community.

Design plans for Spirit Park, courtesy of the City of Menifee. For a larger, clearer version of this image, click here to view it on the City of Menifee website.