DANA POINT : Planners OK Night Lights for Ball Field

The city Planning Commission has approved a plan to put lights at a youth baseball field on Del Obispo Street for night games despite the objections of a group of neighboring homeowners.

The commission voted 5 to 0 at its last meeting to approve four light poles for Del Obispo Community Park’s Mustang Field. Commissioners said they were persuaded to approve the idea because of the rapid expansion of youth baseball in South County and the fact that two adjacent ball fields already have lights.

“We’re a growing community,” said Lynn Dawson, chairwoman of the commission. “I think it’s absolutely essential we not only have good parks for walking and jogging, but good ball fields for our youth. This is the kind of thing that makes them grow up to be healthy individuals instead of buying drugs on the street corners.”

Residents of the Village at Dana Point, a housing development on a hillside across Del Obispo Street from the fields, opposed the plan because of the potential for additional glare into their homes.

“I managed Little League for six years, and I have great appreciation for what Little League does for children,” said Gary Weidman, who described himself as a new resident of Dana Point. “But I am opposed to the lights. Maybe we could find some middle ground to cut off the glare to the Village of Dana Point.”

A lighting consultant hired by the Capistrano Bay Park and Recreation District assured the residents that the new lights at the field would actually reduce glare.

“I think we’re actually improving the situation rather than creating an impact,” said Commissioner Carlos Olvera.