Council Puts Plans for Parks on Hold

After several residents complained about a proposal for park improvements, the City Council this week delayed a decision until a meeting can be set up to hear neighborhood concerns.

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” Councilman Mark Goodman said. “We need to impress on people that we don’t want to steamroll them.”

The council had considered approving a list of $526,000 in amenities for Clipper Cove Park, an undeveloped 4.5-acre site off Alicia Parkway between Niguel and Aliso Creek roads.

Plans call for two playgrounds--a tot lot and another play facility for older children-- as well as a picnic shelter.

Some residents objected to the plan, however, saying they fear that the improvements would draw too many people to what is now a quiet neighborhood park.

“It’s not what the majority of homeowners have in mind,” resident Sandra Valentine said.

The long-awaited project had been held up for several years while the city negotiated with a homeowners association over who should maintain slopes at the park.

They eventually decided to share the responsibility.

City engineer Ken Montgomery said plans for park improvements had been reviewed and approved by residents in 1992, but no meetings had taken place since that time.

Montgomery said he will schedule a session with residents next week so that the council can reconsider the issue at its May 21 meeting.