Week in Review : MAJOR EVENTS, IMAGES AND PEOPLE IN ORANGE COUNTY NEWS : AT THE SCENE : Aliso Viejo Wins Fitness Academy Race

Aliso Viejo beat out Malibu. And it came in first over Texas. After a lengthy process, a plan for a $50-million national fitness academy in Aliso Viejo cleared its last major hurdle.

The California Coastal Commission voted Thursday to approve the complex of sports fields, swimming pool, tennis courts, 300-person dormitory and classrooms to be used as a training camp for coaches and physical fitness teachers. The public also will have access to some of the facilities during certain hours.

The nonprofit National Fitness Foundation announced in January 1985 that it had chosen Aliso Viejo’s 190-acre site 2 1/2 miles from the ocean over other sites for the complex. Foundation members complained about the length of time needed to get permission from the county and the state to build in the environmentally sensitive area.

“It seems a long time coming, and certainly there have been some frustrating and disappointing intermediate actions, but I think it makes it all worthwhile for everybody now,” Orange County Supervisor Thomas F. Riley said.

With its vote, the commission rejected its own staff’s recommendation that builders be required to use an existing road onto the site near Laguna Beach. The committee staff had argued a new road could create “significant adverse impacts upon marine resources” around Aliso Creek.

Instead, there will be a new road that will provide a sweeping view of the complex, replete with a bell tower and a flame to be called the “Flame of Freedom.” County officials argued that the new road would provide access at a point directly across from Laguna Niguel Regional Park and would be safer than the existing road.

Now, the plan awaits final approval--which is assured--from the county Board of Supervisors.

Another step for the project is raising money--largely from corporations--to pay for it.

Finally, supporters of the academy said they want to begin construction on the site before Jan. 29, 1989--the day President Reagan ends his term.

“Now the only thing we have to do,” Riley said, “is fulfill our commitment to the President that he will be in office when we break ground.”