Category: Costa Mesa

The Tanager Park Tale — A Summary

Posted on by Terry Wall in City Council, Civic Activity, Community Action, Costa Mesa, Mesa Verde, Parks & Recreation Commission, Tanager Park

BACKGROUND:  A few weeks ago some buzz started about possible plans for  a public swimming pool at Tanager Park.  Neighbors were alarmed when a site map appeared in the  “Updated Open Space Master Plan of Parks and Recreation” report prepared by a consultant the City hired.  The report would be reviewed by the Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) on April 27.  City Staff recommended approval of the report.

Tanager Park neighbors got organized, got educated on the issue, held a neighborhood planning meeting, met with the Chairman of the Parks Commission, circulated a petition.  One of the neighbors came to a Mesa Verde Community, Inc. board meeting and shared their concern.  As a result, the Board of MVCI voted to send a letter to the PRC in support of  leaving the park as is.

UPDATE: The story is not quite over.  The outlook to preserve the park as is looks very good.   Because of the neighbors’ organized and articulate response, all five PRC members indicated they want every reference to an aquatic facility at Tanager Park removed from the report before they vote to pass it on to the City Council for final approval.  The PRC directed the consultant to ensure the Commissioners’ comments and the neighbors’ concerns were included in a memorandum to the report.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

Email Commissioners and staff (addresses below)  before the deadline of May 10.  Technically, all comments before and during  the Public Hearing will be included in the public record,  but practically, it will be difficult for the Commissioners and staff  to give thoughtful attention to comments after May 10.

Attend the PRC Public Hearing May 25, 6pm, at City Hall, 77 Fair Drive.

Kim Pederson, Chairman,  parkdistrict1@costamesaca.gov

Liz McNabb, parkdistrict2@costamesaca.gov

Kristina Bogner arkdistrict3@costamesaca.gov

Arlis Reynolds parkdistrict4@costamesaca.gov

Leah Ersoylu parkdistrict5@costamesaca.gov

Recreation Director Justin Martin justin.martin@costamesaca.gov

*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *

~Robin Leffler, President, MVCI

A Pool At Tanager Park?

Posted on by Terry Wall in City Council, Costa Mesa, Mesa Verde, Parks & Recreation Commission, Tanager Park

ATTENTION MESA VERDE RESIDENTS!! There is a movement afoot to develop a swimming pool complex at Tanager Park. This change would alter the quality of life in the area–and the “Upper Bird” streets would incur the greatest impact. Considering the existing limited entry/exit to the neighborhood, adding a significant amount of traffic to what already comes through could have further adverse effect.

Add to that 100+ parking spaces, restrooms and shower facilities, and, again, the traffic that will accompany this plan, and our community will suffer in a manner from which there may be no recovery.

Residents should attend the monthly Parks & Recreation meeting, scheduled for Thursday, April 27, at 6:00pm and let your voices be heard. And let your city council members know how you feel, as well!

Click the link below for a copy of the entire report.

Parks-Rec ReportSummary-March15,2017

Post Script: A Board member suggested that this writer “jumped the gun” when releasing this post, so yesterday (Wednesday), I “paused” it. I am re-releasing it today with the statement that regardless of where you stand on this issue, be sure to let the MVCI Board, Parks & Rec committee and the city council know. ~TRW

Parkway Trees

Posted on by Terry Wall in Costa Mesa, Home beautification, Mesa Verde, Parkway Trees

cropped-costa-mesa-sign-large6.jpg

WOW! The printed newsletter hit homes over the last few days and the reaction was incredible! The feedback to the website spiked as people were curious about how a parkway tree could be obtained. The writer contacted the city and spoke with Rick Francis, Assistant CEO, and he shared this insight:

“Terry, if there is room in the parkway and it is already irrigated, the city will come and plant a tree. If it is not irrigated, they won’t because the city is responsible for watering the tree. For further information, community residents should call Marian at 714-754-5123. If your parkway area is OK for planting, she can start a work order.”

Rick also pointed out that different trees are being used to avoid out-of-control root systems that have caused sidewalk upheaval in some areas. The newer trees are less invasive.

Hope that helps. Enjoy your weekend.