October 12, 2006

Pyle calls for community sports fields’ feasibility study

In response to what some might call a desperate need for sports fields in San Jose, District 10 Councilwoman Nancy Pyle has written a memorandum to the rules committee asking members to adopt a resolution authorizing the city manager to complete a community sports fields’ feasibility study.

The study is not to exceed $165,000 and the completed master plan should clarify space requirements for organized sports groups, provide an inventory of existing conditions and identify necessary changes to existing or new facilities.

In 2000, Measure P (park bonds) was passed and allocated funds for development of community sports complexes. To date, funds have not been utilized for this purpose.

The successful passage of bond measures in some San Jose School Districts will result in new fields. However, those same fields are currently closed to the community pending the renovation and many groups have expressed concern about the affordability of those fields in the future.

The proposed master plan will provide an inventory of existing sports field facilities within the boundaries of the city of San Jose, regardless of ownership, and include an analysis of existing conditions, use patterns and potential development opportunities and/or constraints such as ownership, lighting, access and parking.

It will also inventory organized sports groups including their boundaries, number of participants, age groups, frequency of use, and any special space requirements associated with the sport.

Pyle coordinated the memorandum with the Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services and City Attorney’s Office.