SAN MARCOS – One of San Marcos's largest and newest parks is days away from opening, for those who have been wondering each time they pass the 30-acre site with large grassy fields near Mission Hills High School.

The park, called Hollandia, was once part of Hollandia Dairy's land. When the cows from the dairy were moved north in the late 1990s, land was sold to San Marcos Unified School District to build Mission Hills High School and the city of San Marcos to develop a park.

The city paid $3.2 million for its piece in 1999. The district paid $5.2 million for its part in 1998. Some of the dairy's operations, such as distribution, remain in San Marcos.

The $12 million park will open after a public ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5 p.m. Oct. 13. After the ceremony, people can take walking tours of the site and watch sports demonstrations.

Hollandia Park is designed for many activities, including softball and skateboarding. The skateboard park is the city's first.

CHARLIE NEUMAN / Union-Tribune Dust flew as a worker grinded down a concrete seam at the city's first skateboard park. Graffiti has been a problem on some of the skateboard equipment.

Other features include an outdoor amphitheater for about 150 people; an area where dogs can roam off the leash; children's play areas, including a climbing wall; horseshoe pits; and picnic areas.

In recent days, workers have been readying the site, including installing security cameras. Hollandia is the city's first park with such watchful devices. Graffiti has been a problem on some of the skateboard equipment.

Construction began in early 2007 and much of the heavy work was done this spring. Grass seed was sprayed on site in June, but visitors haven't been allowed on the property because the grass had to firmly grow in first.

Holly Malan, assistant director of the Community Services Department, said she has been getting calls from people interested in the park since summer 2007.

The park is at 12 Mission Hills Court.