Huntington Beach adds bocce courts to master plan for Murdy Park

Bocce ball courts may soon be rolling into Huntington Beach’s Murdy Park after city leaders decided Monday to add them to a list of planned upgrades.

The City Council voted 6-0 without discussion to approve adding four full-size bocce courts to the Murdy Park master plan, which outlines various improvements there. Councilman Patrick Brenden was absent from the meeting.

The bocce courts are expected to replace a picnic shelter at the park at 7000 Norma Drive, according to a city staff report.

“Use of the picnic shelter area has continued to decrease due to vandalism and other undesirable activity,” staff wrote. “Placing bocce ball courts in the area will promote a more positive use … and create a safer, family-use environment.”

The city Community Services Commission in February recommended adding the courts to the master plan after several residents suggested it.

The master plan, put forth by the City Council as part of the 2016-17 budget for capital improvements, is intended to create a recreational area for residents and youth sports. According to the document, the park’s front turf area will be reconfigured for a multi-use youth sports field with movable goals, additional lighting, fencing and benches.

The skate park south of the field and the adjacent basketball courts will remain in the same location.

The estimated cost of construction for the renovations is $1.8 million, according to city staff.

It isn’t clear when construction will begin.

hannah.fry@latimes.com

Twitter: @HannahFryTCN