Final Hearing on Beach Playfield Thursday

The Piedmont Recreation Commission will hold its final public hearing Thursday on restrictions to use of the Beach Playfield and then likely make a recommendation to the city council.

According to city staff, one concept to be considered would limit full field adult play to certain limited hours and to restrict play at all other times to to half-field use.

"This would include establishing two equally sized fields in the east to west orientation (Linda Avenue toward Howard Avenue) with one of the fields being designated for use by children and families only," according to the notice of the public hearing.

Neighbors and families with children have complained for several years about the adult players who show up regularly, especially on pleasant Saturday and Sunday afternoons, for vigorous soccer games.

In February 2008, the Piedmont City Council approved new rules limiting adult use of the playfield by groups of 12 or more persons 21 years of age or older concurrently participating in the same activity or game, including substitutes or alternatives but excluding coaches or spectators.

After more discussion in 2010 and 2011, recreation commissioners decided to leave the situation as it was, pending the results of a park monitoring program.

However, the monitoring program ended and complaints remained.

Thursday's hearing is the third one this year.

The commission meets at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, in the City Hall Council chambers, 120 Vista Ave. The hearing notice is attched as a PDF above.

What do you think of the proposed restrictions at Beach Playfield? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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