Community Ends Playing Field Feud
After nearly three years of angry words and legal maneuvering, Rancho Santa Fe residents united in agreement Thursday over the issue that had divided them--a tree-lined playing field--and won a county permit legalizing athletic activities there.
The resolution of the long-standing feud over the popular youth sports field came last week when some two dozen residents who had brought a lawsuit over plans to expand the playing field and Rancho Santa Fe Assn. officials agreed to a settlement to end the litigation.
But not until Thursday did the 17.5-acre green spot become a legal sports field. County Planning and Environmental Review Board members voted unanimously to grant the association a major use permit setting forth conditions under which the playing field along Rambla de las Flores could be used.
“This issue has broken friendships, caused business boycotts and even affected schoolchildren,” Jim Ashcraft, Rancho Santa Fe Assn. director, said. He called the granting of the county permit “an important first step in the healing process for our community.”
The playing field controversy grew over the years as usage of the plot grew with the population in the exclusive estate community and neighboring areas. Occasional complaints mushroomed into an angry roar as the noise level and traffic generated by the youth sports events increased. The Rancho Santa Fe Assn. purchased additional acreage in 1988 and announced plans to expand the clearing to accommodate five playing fields.
Rancho Santa Fe Assn. manager Walt Ekard told the county review board the compromise agreement restores the playing fields to the original size--two soccer fields and a baseball diamond. The settlement also prohibits parking on adjacent streets and limits hours of use. Starting Jan. 1, the fields will be limited to use between 9 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. or sunset, whichever occurs later.
New restrictions rule out any activities that do not involve youth sports, such as concerts or picnics. Lighting and loudspeakers also are banned.
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