Measure M: Ventura Park

* The problems surrounding the proposed Measure M sports park are numerous.

We are considering a $33.5 million park without identifying where the future funding will come from. Reportedly, we have $11 million for the first phase of the park but with the land cost set at $5.9 million that leaves only $5.1 million for first phase construction. We must also consider the estimated $1.5 million annual maintenance cost.

Yes, we need parks, but repairing our roads is a priority. If we continue to budget only $2 million or so a year when we know we need at least $5 million a year to keep up with regular street maintenance, then it will only cost Ventura taxpayers more money as our roads continue to deteriorate.

In the ballot argument City Council members asserted that we could do both--fix our streets and fund this park. I would like to believe this. If our leaders would clearly identify where adequate future road and park money was coming from, I would feel more comfortable. However, it was not long ago that the council was discussing issuing bonds to fix our roads.

If we are considering bonds to fix our roads we should not be contemplating a $33.5 million park.

If we are considering park bonds to fund future phases of this park, the public should be informed before the November vote.

If we are going to sell off to developers (or develop ourselves) the city-owned 87-acres above Telegraph Road (purchased in 1987 to be a park itself) to fund the Measure M park, again the public should be informed before the vote. Many opponents of this park only want to have the funding clearly identified so that voters can make an informed decision on Nov. 7.

Another problem is traffic congestion, light and noise pollution and potential parking difficulties in surrounding neighborhoods. There is also concern that if we take this 100-acre site out of agricultural production and build future road extensions through neighboring farmland it will negatively affect other productive farming in that area.

The park’s $33.5 million price tag represents an enormous amount to spend on one single park. For this amount the city should be getting 300 or more of the 588 park acres our Comprehensive Plan states we are short. If we spend this kind of money on this one park it could be decades before we can budget for other new parks throughout the city.

With the absence of funding information and the inherent problems with the proposed park plans, I would have to firmly vote no on Measure M.

DIANE UNDERHILL

Ventura

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I am writing in support of Measure M, our regional sports park. What a fabulous opportunity.

I am a local farmer / rancher, youth sports supporter and immediate past president of the Concord North Community Pool. I have watched my children and two generations of kids compete for soccer, Little League and softball space. Our community pools are stretched tight throughout the year for competing space from many interests: athletics, aerobics and swimming lessons.

As a farmer I think the trade-off of 100 acres of valuable ground is in this case well worth the increase in community value. This site will be a focal point for thousands of Ventura youth to learn the values of participation in individual and team sports. What a great energy outlet opportunity for our kids.

As president of a community pool for 10 years, I have seen the tremendous demand for swimming pool space. Our own pool, only a mile east of the proposed location, has a waiting list of more than two years in turnover time. Many have given up and gone elsewhere. The new folks in town want their children to share in both recreation and competitive aquatics.

City fathers have recognized the need for some time as the money for an expanded facility has been available for many years. Our City Council is unanimous in its support.

The community benefit of this facility will live far beyond our lifetimes and I urge support for measure M.

J. LINK LEAVENS

Ventura

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Ventura hosts two all-star girls softball tournaments every year, one at the Ventura College, one at El Camino Park. Many teams love coming to Ventura for the same reasons that other visitors do. All of these visitors help pay for the city services we scream for.

Yet most softball tournaments in California are held in cities that are not typical tourist destinations. These places have nicer youth sports and recreation facilities than Ventura.

How can that be? The heat it those towns is unbearable, there are no other visitor spots or amenities and the idea of staying an extra day to enjoy the mini vacation doesn’t appeal.

Both of our tournament facilities are filled to capacity, and so teams have to travel to other sites for their early playoff games. This makes it difficult and inconvenient for the tournament directors and teams to keep track of the tournament, reducing the quality of their experience and their desire to come back to Ventura to visit again.

The proposed regional sports park would not only attract teams from all over the state, it could also bring to Ventura a much higher level of recognition and attraction for many events.

The city has the personnel to manage this park. The location is perfect. The budget is there. Let’s do the right thing for the people of Ventura. Vote yes on Measure M.

JIM NICOLL

Ventura

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The proposed park would be regional, not a community park in the truest sense. Word games are being played to lull people into believing otherwise.

In reality it is a big-active-league park in the making, with big investment and these undesireable elements:

* Open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

* Lights 80 feet tall.

* Vehicles, an estimated 1,300 a day and up to 5,000 for big events.

Parents who want to take their children to picnic, play or play soccer will find it difficult as the park’s spaces will be overwhelmed by league games and swim meets.

This park will be detrimental to the surrounding, quiet residential neighborhood, particularly Stonehedge, where people will park on those quiet streets. Events will bring public address systems, whistles, cheers, applause and music--and noise does carry.

Also, in time the farmers will be forced out. Then along come parking complexes, hotels, restaurants, right in the middle of a quiet residential area.

A community park would not entail all these detriments but a regional sports park is big time. There is much more in the thick environmental impact report. This is a stadium without a roof and a big boondoggle imposed on all of the citizens of our beautiful city.

Please vote no on Measure M so we can concentrate on a real community park.

MARGARET HINDLE

Ventura