Council unanimously approves plan for improvements at local sports facilities
The city could soon begin making much-needed improvements to local sports parks after the City Council gave the green light to a conceptual plan that will benefit Aliso Viejo’s ever-growing recreational community.
Council members on March 16 approved the city’s Recreation Ad Hoc Committee’s recommendations for a four-phase project to make valuable improvements – such as lights, shade structures, restrooms, turfing and parking enhancements – at local fields. The council also directed the city manager to develop an implementation plan.
The committee, comprised of Mayor Pro Tem Donald Garcia and Council Member Phil Tsunoda, based its recommendation on an analysis of the parks and in-depth discussions with numerous sports groups, including representatives from Aliso Viejo AYSO, Aliso Viejo Little League, Aliso Viejo Girls Softball, Aliso Viejo Adult Softball, I-9 Flag Football, Pop Warner Football, Aliso Viejo Lacrosse as well as the Aliso Viejo Boys and Girls Club, Aliso Niguel High School and the Aliso Viejo Community Association, just to name a few.
“It was really great to talk and work with all of the stakeholders – both the sports groups and facility owners – and have them all come together and embrace our recommendations,” said Council Member Phil Tsunoda. “I’m looking forward to continuing to work with all of them to see the projects come to fruition.”
The committee identified a list of valuable projects that will be completed in phases. The first phase includes new lighting and restrooms at Foxborough Park; shade structures for bleachers at Woodfield Park and Aliso Viejo Community Park; portable lights for Aliso Niguel High School batting cages; and striping and other amenities for football and lacrosse use at Creekside Park.
The other three phases include certain parking improvements and new turf installation at various park sites along with addressing other issues raised by local stakeholders. The improvements are expected to be funded jointly by the City and sports groups in a conceptually agreed upon 75%-25% cost-sharing arrangement.
“As elected officials, we have a duty to do what we can to benefit our community as a whole,” said Mayor Pro Tem Donald Garcia. “It is important that our youth have the opportunity to engage in a variety of sports at a young age. Creating more sports facilities will allow more of our youth to experience these opportunities without having to leave our city. It is our goal to develop stronger youth teams which will hopefully elevate them to a more competitive level in high school and create a greater sense of community. I look forward with anticipation to working with staff and the community stakeholders in making these improvements a reality.”
The implementation plan, which will be brought back to the council for review, will include more specificity, including more financial details; an outline of the approval process by other entities; need for agreements and other legal documents; and identifying the responsible parties for overseeing design, construction and contractor selection and ongoing maintenance responsibilities.
Kelly Tokarski
KT Community Relations
