Beach Playfield Public Hearing Nov. 15
Recreation Commission Seeks Input –
The Piedmont Recreation Commission will hold a public hearing on Thursday, November 15, at 7:30 pm in the City Council Chambers, 120 Vista Avenue, continuing its consideration of use patterns and restrictions at Beach Playfield. Feedback from neighborhood residents is particularly encouraged.
On Nov. 15 the Commission will consider limiting full-field adult play to certain hours and restricting play at all other hours to half-field play only. Two fields of equal sizes would be created in the East to West orientation (Linda Avenue toward Howard Avenue) with one of the fields designated for use by children and families only.
Beach playfield use has been the subject of ongoing hearings for several years. Previously, in July and September, 2007, the Recreation Commission held public hearings that ultimately resulted in new rules for adult use of the playfield. “In February 2008, the City Council approved these modifications, which included new rules limiting adult use of the playfield by groups of 12 or more persons 21 years of age or older concurrently participating in the same activity (ies) or game (s) including substitutes or alternatives but excluding coaches or spectators.“
The Recreation Commission held additional public hearings in November 2010 and 2011. Further rule changes or modifications were delayed, pending the implementation of a park monitor program to document use patterns.
Neighborhood concerns include safety and field access for children and families on weekends after organized use by the Piedmont Soccer Club/Baseball-Softball groups. The Commission previously conducted public hearings on July 18 and September 19, 2012. The Commission’s recommendations will go to the City Council for final action on the matter.
Public testimony and commentis encouraged. Written comments should be directed to Dick Hunt, Chairman, Piedmont Recreation Commission, 358 Hillside Avenue, Piedmont, CA 94611 or by email to: mdelventhal@ci.piedmont.ca.us
The hearing will be televised live on KCOM Channel 27 and will also be available through streaming video on the City Web Site under “on-line video.”
For further information, contact Recreation Director Mark Delventhal at 420-3073.
The staff proposal is recommending that adult full length play on Beach Field be allowed between 4:00 and 5:30 PM on Sundays. For example, the large men’s game that is occurring on the field now will only be allowed during these hours. Adults may play half-field casual competitive games at all other times the field is not reserved or closed. For example, the womens half-field game that occurs on Sunday mornings. Other than Sundays between 4:00 and 5:30, adult games can only take up one of two half fields at any given time.