Council clears the way for sports complex

Eron Ben-Yehuda

HUNTINGTON BEACH -- The future for local jocks looks bright after

the City Council approved preliminary plans and funding estimates Monday

for the proposed sports complex at Central Park.

“We always miss the celebrations in our life, but this is truly a moment

to celebrate,” Councilman Dave Garofalo said.

The council voted unanimously in favor of plans calling for a 45-acre

complex that features eight recreational fields, up to four roller hockey

rinks, two playgrounds, a batting cage, restrooms and a parking lot, a

city memo dated Monday shows.

Residents and city officials raised safety concerns in the past because

the proposed site rests on a landfill that contains potentially dangerous

gases. But Councilwoman Shirley Dettloff said the city will carefully

monitor the work to control the risk.

City staff estimates construction, at a cost of more than $11 million, to

finish by the summer of 2002, the memo states. Annual revenue from user

fees, leases, parking, sports tournaments and concessions should top $1

million annually, according to the report.

Once completed, the recreational facility will cater mostly to adults,

freeing up other city parks for youth sports, the memo states.