CLARK STADIUM:
BACKSTOP AND DUGOUTS

 

Recommendation

The Commission subcommittee and staff recommend that Council approve expenditures of up to $16,000 from CIP 99-529 for the purchase of a new backstop for the Major League Field and two dugouts for the Farm Field.

Background

For Fiscal Year 99-00, Council allocated $157,000 for Clark Field improvements. To that end, the Parks, Recreation and Community Resources Commission has been working to create a master plan for the park and to identify maintenance needs for the stadium.

Representatives from Hermosa Beach Little League approached the Commission on September 7, 1999, requesting that the City provide the annual and customary field preparations for the season and for some capital items.

On January 8, 2000, the Commission subcommittee met with Little League, AYSO, and Slo-pitch representatives to discuss the Master Plan and any maintenance concerns they may have about the park.

Analysis

The Little League Board’s current focus is on: (a) improving the quality of the fields, and (b) creating a safe environment for their expanding program (they report tremendous increases in participation—300 Hermosa Beach youngsters are expected this season).

The new backstop addresses both concerns (Attachment A). The existing backstop is designed primarily for softball which has proven to be detrimental for fielding foul balls for baseball as the roof area is lower than optimum.

The dugouts would add order to the minor and farm games as players would be confined to a specific area. League representatives claim that the current set-up is chaotic, with younger siblings mixing with players who run around the area, not paying enough attention to the game. Bats and other equipment would be stored in the dugouts as well, adding to the safety of the program.

The Commission subcommittee met with all the program representatives to help ensure that these short term requests would not interfere with any long term master plans for the field. All parties agreed that these improvements would be beneficial and would not impede any of the other programs or long term plans for the stadium.

The volunteers associated with the League have done a responsible and commendable job in identifying needs at Clark Field. With approval from Council, Public Works staff can solicit bids for the backstop immediately. Due to irrigation and design issues, it is less likely that the dugouts will be completed prior to the season, however, staff and the League have agreed to interim measures (benches) to assist for the short term.

 

FISCAL IMPACT: $16,000 from CIP 99-529-Clark Field Improvements. Balance after the expenditures estimated at $141,000.

Agendas / Minutes Menu     Agenda