HUNTINGTON BEACH : Commission Vote Brings Neighborhood Park a Step Closer

Residents of the area north of Garfield Avenue moved a step closer this week to getting a recreation area in their neighborhood.

The Planning Commission voted 5 to 1 Tuesday to designate the five-acre site between Edwards and North Golden West streets for a park.

Commissioner Stephen Holden voted against the site, arguing that because the 61 lots that make up the site have different owners, buying the land would be complicated and expensive for the city. Also, some of the lot owners oppose turning the land into a park, he said.

But Carrie Thomas, president of Country View Estates Homeowners’ Assn., said homeowners have been lobbying since the late 1980s for a neighborhood park, and “seven years is a long time.”

Residents favor the site north of Garfield because it is centrally located and is level enough to accommodate playground areas, volleyball courts and sports fields.

The city planning staff also recommended another site along Garfield, but Commissioner Ed Kerins said it is not practical because it is not near homes. “Its usage by the neighborhood would be so minimal,” he said, “it would be a waste of money.”

The city has already bought eight lots within the preferred park site but doesn’t have the money yet to acquire the rest, officials said.

“The key objective was to get the site approved. We understand that the city doesn’t have the money,” park proponent Mike Davis said. “It may be that my children will never play in this park, but my grandchildren will.”

The City Council will consider final approval of the park site in July.