It may not have been an ideal day in the park, but Rocklin residents and community leaders came out in droves over the weekend to welcome in Rocklin's newest addition, Whitney Community Park.

As dark storm clouds loomed overhead, Rocklin Mayor Brett Storey cut the ribbon Saturday morning while children played on the largest play structure in the nation built by Miracle Recreation.

As the first major park in the Whitney Ranch development, Whitney Community Park is nestled at the corner of Wildcat Boulevard and Whitney Ranch Parkway, just south of Whitney High School.

The 40-acre park features four lighted soccer, baseball and softball fields and will be the home of Rocklin pony baseball and the Junior Wildcat football program, according to Mark Reimer, director of community services and facilities for the city of Rocklin.

"Whitney Ranch wanted to do something spectacular and the actual playground was something above and beyond what they did," Reimer said.

"I love it," said Candice Andrews, a nearby resident attending the grand opening. "We walked over here this morning so we can walk home."

Andrews' 9-year-old daughter Whitney said she likes the swings and the giant playground the most.

"They are not going to get bored here, that's for sure," Andrews said.

The park also features at water playground, picnic facilities, restrooms, an extensive pathway system and off-street parking lots.

The water playground will operate daily during warm months of the year, Reimer said.

"It's a beautiful park," said Rocklin city councilmember George Magnusson, who attended the grand opening.

Newland Communities, developers of Whitney Ranch, funded the project, Storey said, and the city did not spend any tax dollars on construction of the park. Instead, the city owns the responsibility of maintaining it.

"It's a nice concept to use for developing a park," Magnusson said.

During the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremonies, park patrons were able to go on a ½-mile walking tour of the park. Rocklin police volunteers were also on hand to offer information and finger printing for kids.

Storey said the current finished product is phase one and eventually there will be a large clubhouse and synthetic turf soccer fields.

"Whitney Ranch has been by far our best developer when we asked them for something that the community needed and wanted," Storey said. "They wanted to do the right thing by the citizens and they want this to stand forever."