COSTA MESA/NEWPORT/IRVINE : COSTA MESA : Basketball Hoops’ Fate Hangs on Panel

Park commissioners will meet tonight to decide whether to replace four basketball hoops that were removed from Tanager Park.

The Parks, Recreation Facilities & Parkways Commission in October ordered the hoops removed for six months after neighbors complained.

“All the guys were down there playing basketball and using foul language,” said neighbor Thresa McHugh. “I was with my two children and was scared to confront them. They looked like gang members.”

There are two courts at the park. One has hoops set at eight feet and one at 10 feet.

McHugh said she is happy the hoops came down. “Now tons of mothers go there with their kids,” she said.

But basketball enthusiasts, including two high school players, challenged the decision at a City Council meeting in December. The council asked the park commissioners to reconsider.

Park Supt. David Alkema said emotions are running high on both sides.

Commission Chairman John De Witt noted that the October decision was simply to remove the hoops for six months to see if that would improve the situation. Then a public hearing was to be held, and the hoops could be put up again, he said.

A November Community Services report stated that the city should build 14 additional basketball courts because of community interest. The city now has 11 courts, including the two at Tanager Park.

According to a city telephone survey, basketball is the third most popular organized team sport among residents, after baseball and soccer.

The park commission meets at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.