The park portion of the vast property has been closed for renovations.
QUAIL VALLEY, CA — A 640-acre regional park in Riverside County will celebrate a grand reopening this weekend after undergoing a yearlong renovation.
A public ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Kabian Park and Reserve, 28001 Goetz Road in Quail Valley. Community members are encouraged to attend and celebrate. Light refreshments will be provided, and RSVP is encouraged via email at [email protected].
The park has been closed for site renovations since Sept. 24, 2024, though the reserve's vast trail system has remained open for hikers and equestrians.
The recent park upgrades include a new restroom, concrete paths, ADA-compliant parking, playground surfacing, entry gate and perimeter fencing, park signs and electrical panels, irrigation systems, picnic shelters, decomposed granite for trails, and landscape improvements.
The upgrades were funded through the American Rescue Plan Act.
Established in 1968, the property was bought with money donated by Madeline Kabian with the provision that the park be named for her late son, Roy.
According to a 2018 Press-Enterprise report, Madeline Kabian was an Armenian immigrant living in the Los Angeles area. She lost her 25-year-old son on May 17, 1962, to multiple sclerosis. Though she was devastated, she wanted him to be remembered.
From the park’s inception, it was owned and operated by the city of Perris thanks to the money donated by Kabian. In 1974, the city turned it over to the County Parks Department to be used as a regional wildlife refuge, which is what it is today.
The property consists of a 1-acre park, long named the Roy W. Kabian Memorial Park, and the adjacent 639-acre reserve that includes the trail system.
With diverse native wildlife and miles of trails, the park serves as a vital ecological space and community recreation area that is a popular destination for hikers, equestrians, and outdoor enthusiasts.
"Investing in parks is investing in the health and well-being of our communities," said Riverside County First District Supervisor Jose Medina. "The reopening of Kabian Park shows what can happen when we prioritize accessibility, safety, and quality of life. This reserve has been a part of Riverside County for decades, and today we ensure its legacy continues for years to come."
Kabian Park and Reserve is free to visit and is located just northwest of Menifee. Hours are 8 a.m. to sunset, daily. For more information, please visit the park website.