LAGUNA NIGUEL : Council Alters Plans for Parc Vista Park

Residents of Marina Hills are celebrating after the City Council reversed itself last week and decided to build Parc Vista Park as a passive park not suitable for organized youth soccer practice.

In April, 1993, the City Council voted to let Parc Vista Park be built with a grass area large enough for two small practice soccer fields.

Homeowners who just found out about the decision this month complained, saying an active park would increase noise and traffic.

At least a dozen residents, backed by a standing-room-only crowd, told the council last Tuesday that area developer Taylor-Woodrow Homes had promised them--even after the April decision--that the park would be a quiet view park without organized sports play.

Residents also berated the city for not notifying nearby homeowners when plans for the 2.1-acre view park were to be discussed at the April meeting.

City Manager Tim Casey said the city is not legally required to notify residents. But, he added, the city should have done so after the Parks and Recreation Commission requested neighbor notification when it passed the issue along to the City Council.

Council members agreed with the residents that the park should have only a small, open grassy area ideal for parents to play with their children but not for organized sports teams.

“This park is obviously designed as a passive park and I want to see it remain thatway,” Councilman Eddie Rose said.

“It’s fortunate we have a chance to correct this,” added Councilwoman Janet Godfrey, who was a member of the council that approved the more active Parc Vista Park plans.