Two public meetings are coming up to discuss the proposed renovation of Golden Gate Park’s Beach Chalet soccer fields.
The Beach Chalet renovation project calls for major facility improvements including converting the fields to synthetic turf, installing lights for night play, new restrooms, parking lot improvements, better walkways and lighting, and the addition of a designated spectator area.
Since the public learned of the renovation plans in late 2009, there has been concern over the environmental impact that the new fields will have on the park, its residents and neighbors. One particular point of contention is the proposed 60 foot lighting towers. Recently, it was announced that the project would not require an Environmental Impact Report (EIR), and this has opponents concerned.
On Wednesday, April 7, the Historic Preservation Commission will discuss the historic characteristics of the western end of Golden Gate Park and the potential impact of the soccer complex on those characteristics. The meeting will take place at City Hall, Room 400 at 12:30pm.
The following week, on Thursday, April 15, Sometime later in April (date TBD), the Recreation and Park Commission will hold a hearing on the soccer fields renovation. Watch this sfgov page for more details.
Sarah B.
There is a lot of wildlife that lives at the western edge of the park. With the huge increase in summer events like Outer Lands, etc., there is already a lot of degradation of the park as a natural habitat. (I know, I know – it was created out of sand dunes. But it’s got it’s ecology by this point.) I am TOTALLY against this entire project except maybe the renovated bathrooms. I’m sorry, I just don’t consider soccer to be that important that we need to destroy the park for it. I really hope this doesn’t happen.
The improved soccer fields and (non-obtrusive) lighting would be a great improvement to that area of the park. The whole wildlife argument is perplexing because there are SOCCER FIELDS at that location already. The proposal is to simply to make the fields better so that more people could actually use them without breaking an ankle in gopher holes and allow visitors to use restroom area without being accosted by lurkers & cruisers.
I attended the meeting tonight at City Hall. Support for the renovation was met with equal concern for an environmental impact report. Sounds like there are valid concerns regarding the artificial turf, and its potential effect on the aquifer. Which may soon be a very important issue with the proposal to mix well water with Hetch Hetchy water for users in Outer Richmond. The lights are also a major concern for local residents. The landscape plan looks good on paper, however the reality of tree growth to help mask the light seems unrealistic. It my hope the council does not rush the decision, and takes every measure to ensure a safe renovation of the soccer fields.