Butterfield Trails Ranch & Star Valley Park

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The County is committed to creating safe, welcoming parks for everyone. In Valley Center, we’re looking at ways to improve and expand local parks. In 2021, County Parks took over Star Valley Park, a 40-acre property, after the local parks district was dissolved and in 2023, County Parks purchased Butterfield Trails Ranch, a 60-acre property, to turn into a new public park.

We’re now planning how to use both parks in the future. One idea is to build an intergenerational center—a place where people of all ages can connect. We’re also exploring other park features and programs.

Your input matters. By sharing your ideas, you’ll help shape parks that serve the Valley Center community.

Click HERE to view the project maps.

How can you participate?

  • Join our email list! Sign up with your email to get updates about the project and upcoming events

  • Take the latest SURVEY (Results from the previous survey will be shared soon)

  • Review the information on this site

  • Share the information with others

  • Ask questions

Check out our FAQs for more information!


The County is committed to creating safe, welcoming parks for everyone. In Valley Center, we’re looking at ways to improve and expand local parks. In 2021, County Parks took over Star Valley Park, a 40-acre property, after the local parks district was dissolved and in 2023, County Parks purchased Butterfield Trails Ranch, a 60-acre property, to turn into a new public park.

We’re now planning how to use both parks in the future. One idea is to build an intergenerational center—a place where people of all ages can connect. We’re also exploring other park features and programs.

Your input matters. By sharing your ideas, you’ll help shape parks that serve the Valley Center community.

Click HERE to view the project maps.

How can you participate?

  • Join our email list! Sign up with your email to get updates about the project and upcoming events

  • Take the latest SURVEY (Results from the previous survey will be shared soon)

  • Review the information on this site

  • Share the information with others

  • Ask questions

Check out our FAQs for more information!


  • 2025 Survey Results: Butterfield & Star Valley Park

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    What We Heard: Butterfield Trails Ranch, Star Valley Park & Intergenerational Center Public Outreach Survey Summary

    This summary reflects input from 366 community members who responded to an earlier public survey (online and written) about Butterfield Trails Ranch, Star Valley Park, and the idea of an Intergenerational Center. This summary aims to reflect the diverse voices and priorities of the Valley Center community. The survey was open from June 2025 through June 2026.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Residents value nature, community, and accessibility.

    • There’s strong support for activities and amenities for all ages.

    • Many want to protect natural spaces, especially at Butterfield Trails Ranch.

    • Star Valley Park is seen as ideal for equestrian and large community events.

    • Collaboration with local groups is important.

    • Clean facilities, shaded areas, and safe access are top priorities.


    What is an Intergenerational Center?

    Most people see an intergenerational center as a place for all ages—children, teens, adults, and seniors—to gather, learn, and enjoy activities together. Many want it to be a hub for community events, classes, and recreation. Some respondents prefer the term “community center” and feel it should be located near existing facilities like the library or current community center. Others worry about safety, costs, or losing natural spaces.

    What Activities Do People Want?

    Survey participants are interested in a wide range of activities:

    • Outdoor recreation: Hiking, walking, biking, horseback riding, picnics, birdwatching, and nature walks.

    • Sports: Soccer, baseball, pickleball, tennis, and swimming.

    • Community events: Farmers markets, rodeos, concerts, movie nights, and festivals.

    • Classes and workshops: Yoga, arts and crafts, gardening, educational talks, and fitness classes.

    • Family and social activities: Playgrounds, splash pads, games, and spaces for clubs and meetings.

    Some respondents want to keep parks natural and quiet, focusing on passive activities and wildlife.

    Groups to Coordinate With

    The survey highlights many local groups and organizations that should be involved in planning:

    • Valley Center Trails Association

    • Friends of Hellhole Canyon

    • Valley Center Vaqueros (horse club)

    • Valley Center Stampede Rodeo

    • 4-H and FFA youth programs

    • Little League, soccer, rugby, and football clubs

    • Local tribes, historical societies, and art associations

    • Schools, library, and community planning groups

    What Do People Like About Butterfield Trails Ranch?

    • Its natural beauty, open space, and peaceful setting

    • Central location and accessibility

    • Opportunities for hiking, wildlife, and family gatherings

    • Desire to keep it undeveloped and preserve nature

    What Do People Like About Star Valley Park?

    • Flat, open space suitable for large events and equestrian activities

    • Home to the annual rodeo and horse shows

    • Potential for sports fields, community gatherings, and more

    • Some want more development; others prefer it stays focused on equestrian uses

    What Amenities Are Needed?

    • Clean bathrooms and water stations

    • Shaded picnic areas and benches

    • Walking, biking, and horse trails

    • Playgrounds, splash pads, and sports fields

    • Parking and safe access

    • Event spaces, meeting rooms, and community gardens

    • Facilities for equestrian activities

    Many want to balance development with preserving natural spaces and rural character.

    How Do People Want to Provide Input?

    Most prefer online surveys and questionnaires, but many value in-person workshops and community meetings. Some suggest using local newspapers, social media, and email for updates and feedback.

    What We Heard: Butterfield Trails Ranch, Star Valley Park & Intergenerational Center Public Outreach Survey Summary

    This summary reflects input from 366 community members who responded to an earlier public survey (online and written) about Butterfield Trails Ranch, Star Valley Park, and the idea of an Intergenerational Center. This summary aims to reflect the diverse voices and priorities of the Valley Center community. The survey was open from June 2025 through June 2026.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Residents value nature, community, and accessibility.

    • There’s strong support for activities and amenities for all ages.

    • Many want to protect natural spaces, especially at Butterfield Trails Ranch.

    • Star Valley Park is seen as ideal for equestrian and large community events.

    • Collaboration with local groups is important.

    • Clean facilities, shaded areas, and safe access are top priorities.


    What is an Intergenerational Center?

    Most people see an intergenerational center as a place for all ages—children, teens, adults, and seniors—to gather, learn, and enjoy activities together. Many want it to be a hub for community events, classes, and recreation. Some respondents prefer the term “community center” and feel it should be located near existing facilities like the library or current community center. Others worry about safety, costs, or losing natural spaces.

    What Activities Do People Want?

    Survey participants are interested in a wide range of activities:

    • Outdoor recreation: Hiking, walking, biking, horseback riding, picnics, birdwatching, and nature walks.

    • Sports: Soccer, baseball, pickleball, tennis, and swimming.

    • Community events: Farmers markets, rodeos, concerts, movie nights, and festivals.

    • Classes and workshops: Yoga, arts and crafts, gardening, educational talks, and fitness classes.

    • Family and social activities: Playgrounds, splash pads, games, and spaces for clubs and meetings.

    Some respondents want to keep parks natural and quiet, focusing on passive activities and wildlife.

    Groups to Coordinate With

    The survey highlights many local groups and organizations that should be involved in planning:

    • Valley Center Trails Association

    • Friends of Hellhole Canyon

    • Valley Center Vaqueros (horse club)

    • Valley Center Stampede Rodeo

    • 4-H and FFA youth programs

    • Little League, soccer, rugby, and football clubs

    • Local tribes, historical societies, and art associations

    • Schools, library, and community planning groups

    What Do People Like About Butterfield Trails Ranch?

    • Its natural beauty, open space, and peaceful setting

    • Central location and accessibility

    • Opportunities for hiking, wildlife, and family gatherings

    • Desire to keep it undeveloped and preserve nature

    What Do People Like About Star Valley Park?

    • Flat, open space suitable for large events and equestrian activities

    • Home to the annual rodeo and horse shows

    • Potential for sports fields, community gatherings, and more

    • Some want more development; others prefer it stays focused on equestrian uses

    What Amenities Are Needed?

    • Clean bathrooms and water stations

    • Shaded picnic areas and benches

    • Walking, biking, and horse trails

    • Playgrounds, splash pads, and sports fields

    • Parking and safe access

    • Event spaces, meeting rooms, and community gardens

    • Facilities for equestrian activities

    Many want to balance development with preserving natural spaces and rural character.

    How Do People Want to Provide Input?

    Most prefer online surveys and questionnaires, but many value in-person workshops and community meetings. Some suggest using local newspapers, social media, and email for updates and feedback.

  • NEW Survey Now Live!

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    Please share your feedback about how to best to reach you and the Valley Center community about Butterfield Trails Ranch and Star Valley Park. How familiar are you with these two parks? How would you like to be updated about this project? What would prevent you from participating in planning for these two parks? All survey responses are anonymous.

    All are welcome to participate so feel free to share this survey with others. It will take about 5 minutes to complete and will be open until our first community workshop.

    TAKE THE SURVEY

    Please share your feedback about how to best to reach you and the Valley Center community about Butterfield Trails Ranch and Star Valley Park. How familiar are you with these two parks? How would you like to be updated about this project? What would prevent you from participating in planning for these two parks? All survey responses are anonymous.

    All are welcome to participate so feel free to share this survey with others. It will take about 5 minutes to complete and will be open until our first community workshop.

    TAKE THE SURVEY

  • County Outreach held at the Stampede Rodeo

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    The Department of Parks and Recreation attended the Valley Center Stampede Rodeo on Saturday, May 24, to connect with community members and share information about the Butterfield Trails Ranch and Star Valley Park project. The Rodeo draws people from Valley Center and nearby communities, making it a well-attended regional event. Around 100 people visited our booth to share their ideas about the types of park amenities they'd like to see in Valley Center.


    We’re planning to attend more local events to keep the community involved and informed as the project moves forward. If you know of a community event we should be part of, let us know!



    The Department of Parks and Recreation attended the Valley Center Stampede Rodeo on Saturday, May 24, to connect with community members and share information about the Butterfield Trails Ranch and Star Valley Park project. The Rodeo draws people from Valley Center and nearby communities, making it a well-attended regional event. Around 100 people visited our booth to share their ideas about the types of park amenities they'd like to see in Valley Center.


    We’re planning to attend more local events to keep the community involved and informed as the project moves forward. If you know of a community event we should be part of, let us know!



  • Tree Planting held at Butterfield Trails Ranch Park

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    On Saturday April 26, County of San Diego, Parks and Recreation Operations Division hosted a tree planting event at Butterfield Trails Ranch Park. Approximately 24 volunteers, both adults and youth, planted 17 native trees along Moosa Creek.

    After the trees were in the ground, the kids in attendance used the 15-gallon containers for a bicycle agility course.

    On Saturday April 26, County of San Diego, Parks and Recreation Operations Division hosted a tree planting event at Butterfield Trails Ranch Park. Approximately 24 volunteers, both adults and youth, planted 17 native trees along Moosa Creek.

    After the trees were in the ground, the kids in attendance used the 15-gallon containers for a bicycle agility course.

  • Butterfield Trails Ranch Open House Event

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    Last November, the Department of Parks and Recreation held an open house event at Butterfield Trails Ranch Park. This was the first event of our community outreach process with over 300 people attending.

    Many Valley Center community groups and organizations participated in the event with interactive booths showing what they bring to the community. Rincon led a land dedication followed by the County unveiling a plaque for the Manuel Arango Foundation who donated money towards the purchase of the property. There were activities for kids of all ages at the Safe Destination Nights booth, a critter interaction booth, guided hikes, and a tree planting. The weather was great, and the beauty of the property was on full display.

    Many of the participants completed surveys and provided comments related to future improvements for Butterfield Trails Ranch, Star Valley Park, and the future intergenerational center. The following is a summary of the initial survey input:

    • In general, the responses supported leaving the Butterfield Trails Ranch property in a more natural state with larger recreational amenities, events, and equestrian uses held at Star Valley Park.
    • The survey responses for community needs supported additional trails, equestrian facilities, and more restrooms.
    • The event participant interpretation of an intergenerational center was a center for all ages.
    • Many of the participants let us know they would like to be informed and provide input electronically throughout the engagement process and provided their contact information.

    Overall, this was a great community event to gather information, have the community experience the Butterfield Trails Ranch property, and get out in nature.


    Last November, the Department of Parks and Recreation held an open house event at Butterfield Trails Ranch Park. This was the first event of our community outreach process with over 300 people attending.

    Many Valley Center community groups and organizations participated in the event with interactive booths showing what they bring to the community. Rincon led a land dedication followed by the County unveiling a plaque for the Manuel Arango Foundation who donated money towards the purchase of the property. There were activities for kids of all ages at the Safe Destination Nights booth, a critter interaction booth, guided hikes, and a tree planting. The weather was great, and the beauty of the property was on full display.

    Many of the participants completed surveys and provided comments related to future improvements for Butterfield Trails Ranch, Star Valley Park, and the future intergenerational center. The following is a summary of the initial survey input:

    • In general, the responses supported leaving the Butterfield Trails Ranch property in a more natural state with larger recreational amenities, events, and equestrian uses held at Star Valley Park.
    • The survey responses for community needs supported additional trails, equestrian facilities, and more restrooms.
    • The event participant interpretation of an intergenerational center was a center for all ages.
    • Many of the participants let us know they would like to be informed and provide input electronically throughout the engagement process and provided their contact information.

    Overall, this was a great community event to gather information, have the community experience the Butterfield Trails Ranch property, and get out in nature.


Page last updated: 15 Sep 2026, 12:38 PM