TUSTIN : Project to Be Funded by Various Sources

To underscore the importance of the proposed Tustin Sports Park, the City Council has decided to use funds from various city accounts to help finance the $3.6-million project.

The council unanimously approved taking money from four sources, including the $812,500 balance in the park development fund, to add to the $1.6 million allocated for the project in the 1992-93 budget.

One effect of that decision is that improvements to other city parks, such as resurfacing basketball and tennis courts, may have to be postponed for up to two years, said City Manager William A. Huston.

In addition, Huston said, the city will dip into money set aside for street repairs and improvements, replacement of vehicles and equipment, and funds collected from developers to finance the sports park project. About $250,000 will be taken from funds for vehicle and equipment replacement and $430,000 from development fees, Huston said.

“It’s a policy issue,” Huston said. “It has been determined this is a priority project, but we have to use a combination of funding from several sources.”

The proposed sports park will be built on a 20-acre site at Jamboree Road and Keller and Robinson drives in the eastern part of the city. When completed, it will feature a pro shop, concession areas, lighted basketball and tennis courts, a soccer field and picnic grounds.

Recreation Supervisor Randy Westrick said invitations for developers to bid on the project will be sent out in September. Construction is expected to start in the fall, and it will be 10 to 12 months before the park is open.

“This is significant to the community,” Mayor Jim Potts said. “We’ll soon have sports facilities in both sides of town. We don’t make money from parks, but it’s a service we have to make.”

“This is one of the largest projects we have had in a long time,” Councilman Thomas R. Saltarelli said.

Sports Park The building of a $3.6-million sports complex received final approval by the Tustin City Council this week.