Proposal for Sports Complex Advances

A court ruling this week cleared the way for the city to begin work on a 26-acre, $7.7-million sports complex that proponents argue is badly needed in a city they say lacks recreational facilities.

But opponents of the complex, who plan to appeal the Los Angeles Superior Court ruling, say the project would bring noise and heavy traffic to an otherwise quiet and peaceful neighborhood.

“I am absolutely thrilled,” said Nello Iacono, director of Glendale Parks, Recreation and Community Services. “This complex is desperately needed in our community. It will substantially improve our ability to provide athletic facilities for our youth.”

The park proposal was challenged by homeowners in the Fern Lane neighborhood in March after the City Council signed off on it.

Homeowners said that they are not opposed to the complex so much as looking for a reasonable compromise that would limit anticipated traffic on Fern Lane, a quiet residential road that provides the only access to the site of the proposed sports complex.

Attorneys working on the project, however, said building freeway access ramps would nearly double the cost of the proposal.

The complex is to include three baseball fields, two soccer fields, parking, an outdoor basketball court, a picnic area, a batting cage and snack bar, and a meeting room. Construction is scheduled to be completed in 12 to 18 months, according to Iacono.

Glendale Mayor Larry Zarian said he is pleased with the ruling and believes the complex would become a source of pride for the community. Zarian also said the city would work with Fern Lane residents to minimize the effects of traffic and noise.

The complex was conceived in 1979 and officially proposed in 1987. Bids for construction contracts are still under review, Iacono said, but work could begin as early as October.

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Field of Dreams

Glendale plans to build a $7.7-million sports complex on a 25.6-acre hillside site. The complex would have five ballfields, and Little League baseball players could practice year-round. The complex would be accessed by only one road, and area residents fear the development will cause excess traffic and noise.

Source: City of Glendale