Commission spares trees at TeWinkle

Deirdre Newman

Tall, elegant trees ring the northern softball fields at TeWinkle

Park. Behind the fields, a cluster of trees provides a shady refuge

for a nearby picnic area.

Many just came close to oblivion.

But because of concerns from the Mesa del Mar neighborhood about

the removal of 42 of these trees, the Parks and Recreation Commission

spared eight of them this week when it re-affirmed the City Council’s

decision to expand the softball fields. The council’s July 7 decision

was appealed, and a rehearing will occur on Oct. 20.

On Wednesday, the parks commission approved plans that combined

staff’s attempt to reduce the amount of trees eliminated with the

City Council’s prior decision on expanding three softball fields.

While the commission’s decision saves some of the trees, some

residents in the neighborhood think it doesn’t go far enough.

“Obviously, I was saddened by that decision because I think that

it doesn’t protect the preservation of open space and the tree canopy

for the future generations of Costa Mesans,” said Planning

Commissioner Katrina Foley, who emphasized she was speaking as a Mesa

del Mar resident and not a city official.

Foley added that she supports upgrading the softball facilities,

but feels there are better locations throughout the city for expanded

fields.

The council unanimously approved the expansion of the three

softball fields, where the outfield fences are currently at 250 feet.

But after the council’s approval, Councilman Chris Steel filed a

request for a rehearing based on three factors: not enough notice

given to the neighborhood; concern about 36 mature trees being

removed as part of the expansion; and a desire for a more sufficient

buffer area between the outfield fences and the nearby homes.

To paint a clearer picture of what is included in the changes, the

Parks and Recreation Commission held a study session near the

softball fields on Sept. 10. Chalk outlines illustrated the outfield

dimensions, ribbons graced the trees that would be yanked out and

conceptual drawings were available for review.

Commission Chairwoman Kelly Feldman said seeing all the trees

tagged for removal weighed heavily on her mind.

“For me to see all those trees being removed, it is tough and it’s

kind of a hard thing,” Feldman said. “[People] think we’re putting

trees against children or trees against recreation, but it’s really

about trying to compromise and find a way where we can protect the

residents and be a city that can provide recreation for adults and

children.”

The commission changed the dimensions for the northeast left field

so its foul line will be 290 feet, bulging out to 300 feet in center

field. The right field foul line will be 300 feet with the fences 10

feet high.

This field will require the removal of 29 mature trees, a picnic

shelter and a concrete walkway. The dimensions for the northwest and

southwest field remain the same as the council approved in July.

Commissioners Jim Fisler and Wendy Leece dissented. Fisler said he

did not support the decision because it would be too expensive and

would take out too many trees.

The approved plan costs about $380,000 and eliminates 34 trees.

Another option would have only taken out 32 trees, Fisler said.

Leece said she felt the decision didn’t go far enough to appease

the Mesa del Mar neighborhood.

“I think it’s a dangerous decision when appointed officials can

make a decision that affects a neighborhood negatively,” Leece said.

“Those people hae already experienced impact from lighting and

noise.”