IRVINE : Plans for Civic Center Park May Be Altered to Cut Costs

Recently approved plans for the city’s $18.8-million Civic Center Park may change again to win final approval from cost-conscious City Council members.

The community park is planned on a 36-acre parcel stretching from the San Diego Creek Channel to Harvard Avenue north of the Irvine Civic Center.

The city’s Community Services Commission last week approved plans for the park, which would include the first city-owned gymnasium, two softball fields with stadiums, two multipurpose playing fields, six tennis courts, playgrounds and a 26,500-square-foot community center.

During a preliminary review of park plans in April, 1994, council members vetoed a large lake because of cost concerns.

Councilman Greg Smith said an ornamental garden now planned for the park may also prove too costly.

“In a no-frills era for the city, I think it’s important to look at this,” Smith said. “Some of the design elements may be too expensive.”

The city has allocated $2 million for the park.

Construction is to begin with the playing fields, which are expected to generate funds for completion of the park through ticket sales, said Chuck DeVore, community services commissioner.

Construction of the $12-million community center would come last, DeVore said.

Some residents wanted to eliminate playing fields from the proposal, citing concerns about noise and traffic.

But DeVore said the park has long been planned as a communitywide recreation center.

Officials did agree to move playing fields farther from residential areas.

Construction of the playing fields will include a greenbelt to help shield residents from noise.

The City Council has set Aug. 22 for a public hearing on the park plans.