Evaluation of Athletic Field Use Needs Update

September 30, 2004
The Parks and Recreation Commission at their October 6, 2004 meeting will review a draft recommendation on the creation and structure of an expanded Community Committee for Evaluation of Athletic Field Use Needs and Possible Solutions. The meeting will be in the City Hall Council Chambers at 7:00 p.m. Interested members of the public are invited to attend and participate in this process. You may also provide suggestions and comments to Barry Weiss, Parks and Recreation Director by email at bweiss@cityofsancarlos.org or by phone at (650) 802-4286. A hard copy of the recommendation is available for review beginning Friday afternoon, October 1 at the Library or the Parks and Recreation Office in City Hall.

At their August 23, 2004 meeting the City Council discussed a financial analysis of the proposal for synthetic turf installation at Highlands Park Athletic Field and synthetic turf installation with ball field lights at Heather School Athletic Field. Following the discussion, the City Council asked staff to broaden their review of the topic to look at a) how the worsening condition of the playing fields at Highlands Park and Heather School Field should be dealt with in light of the lack of funds available for repair and renovation and b) take a look at the question of the need for field use and play hours on the fields citywide. Any proposal should include a recommendation how the City would finance such work.

The City Council referred the matter back to the Parks and Recreation Commission to develop a plan for City Council review of how to proceed in dealing with these issues. It was also suggested that a broad based advisory committee be developed that included representation from residents throughout the City. City Council review is anticipated to occur on Monday, October 25, 2004.