'FIELD OF DREAMS' PREMIERES HUNDREDS TURN OUT TO FROLIC IN CENTRAL PARK.

Byline: Angela M. Lemire Staff Writer

SANTA CLARITA - Santa Clarita Central Park - proclaimed the new ``flagship'' of all city parks - debuted in grand style Saturday with the usual assortment of speeches, ribbon cutting, food, giveaways, music, dancing and local Miss Teen appearances.

But the 140-acre, $5 million park's true initiation took place on its freshly cut, emerald-green playing fields, sandy tot lot and softball diamonds - where children romped, ran, jumped, juggled, giggled, tumbled, played ball and laughed with family, friends, neighbors and four-legged-and-furry leashed pooches.

Hundreds turned out for Central Park's Grand Opening gala to be among the first to play there. Some even played ``life-size'' chess on the park's 12-by-12-foot outdoor chess board, which has game pieces the size of geese.

Weather permitting, crowds undoubtedly will return today when Central Park's ``open house'' resumes from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The park, located at 27150 Bouquet Canyon Road, has a 3/4-mile outdoor walking path, four lighted softball fields and four soccer-football fields. Beginning Monday, Central Park will be open daily from about 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Eight-year-old Nickolas Delia of Newhall, who checked things out with his grandparents, highly recommended the facilities to others.

``It'll be fun to come down here a lot and be with nature, and the (baseball diamonds) and the fields. ... It looks great and there'll be lots of other kids from the city here,'' Nickolas said.

Allan Cameron, a resident who is outspoken on city affairs, said Central Park will help preserve the environment, improve the city's overall quality of life, and keep crime rates down by giving youths positive recreational outlets.

``After decades, our field of dreams is finally becoming a reality,'' Councilwoman and Mayor Pro Tem Laurene Weste told a crowd gathered to watch the official ribbon-cutting ceremony. ``It's gorgeous, it's perfect, it's on time.''

Moments later, council members and officials from the city Parks and Recreation Department and Castaic Lake Water Agency stood together for the opening ceremony. Castaic Water is leasing the Central Park property to the city at $100 per year for 30 years.

Mayor Jo Anne Darcy snipped the park's ribbon with white plastic scissors the size of bolt-cutters. Central Park's Grand Opening festivities were augmented by free hot dogs and snack chips, generous helpings of free kettle-corn and soda - provided by the Santa Clarita Lions Club - and live performances by the Santa Clarita Stars Dance Group, Santa Clarita Concert Band and Arroyo Seco Junior High School Band.

Few people would argue the park's opening day was memorable - and fun.

City Parks and Recreation Department Director Rick Putnam - who received numerous congratulations that day for his efforts - peered upward through dark sunglasses to a cloudless blue sky, which only days before had pounded the area with heavy rain.

``In all respects, it doesn't get any better than this,'' he said.

READY TO PLAY BALL?

To reserve athletic fields or picnic facilities at Santa Clarita Central Park, located at 27150 Bouquet Canyon Road, call Cynthia Gonzales with the city Parks and Recreation Department at [phone].

The park will be open today from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. for ``open house'' festivities. Beginning Monday, the park will be open daily from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

CAPTION(S):

3 photos, box

Photo: (1 -- color) Two-year-old Takashi and dad Fred Essex play together Saturday morning in Santa Clarita's 140-acre Central Park.

(2 -- 3 -- color) With a burst of showmanship and outdoor fun, Santa Clarita Central Park came to life Saturday. At top, Kevin Rickhoff, right, gives his dad, Paul, a juggling lesson. Above, the Santa Clarita Stars dance their way into park visitors' hearts.

Eric Grigorian/Special to the Daily News

Box: Ready to Play Ball? (see text)