SEAL BEACH : Park Project OKd Despite Objections

Over the objections of some neighbors, the City Council this week unanimously approved plans to build a volleyball court and new playground at Edison Park.

The decision caps two months of debate among residents of the College Park West area over whether the project would benefit or harm the neighborhood.

The park improvements were designed by a group of residents who have also raised more than $6,000 to pay for the project. The residents argued that the 30-year-old park needs a face lift and that a volleyball court and jungle gym would attract more local families.

But other residents whose homes back the park opposed the improvement plan. They said it would bring loud, young people to the facility and create a crime problem.

With council approval, supporters of the project plan to move ahead with construction of the volleyball court. The court should be opened later in the summer, said Lisa Chattler, who helped organize the park improvement project.

Residents still must raise about $6,000 to pay for a new playground, Chattler said. They’d also like to install some picnic tables.