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Letters
Let's set the record straight about fees
In a Feb. 20 letter to the Saratoga News regarding sports funding for Congress Springs Park, there were several statements that are either incomplete are not consistent with the history of this project.
For more than a decade, I have been actively participating with other user groups, city staff, and interested, dedicated residents to achieve the goal of determining the best way to invest Saratoga's Park Funds. From the very beginning, Saratoga (AYSO) Soccer, as a key user group, has maintained a consistent position on field priorities. This position was stated as the need for more "flat grass" and for fields that were safe, available, accessible, useful, affordable and maintainable.
A showcase park has never been on this list nor even suggested. As I remember, the requirement for the showcase park came from the city, certainly not from the user groups.
The investment in improvements and equipment was fairly independent of the needs of the major user groups. Any new investment in a park must address high usage and effective maintenance requirements. These were two key goals, given the limited amount of Saratoga park space and the limited funds available. Given the size of the park, new equipment was required to effectively maintain it.
With regard to the concern about the field wearing out, the user groups consistently recommended that no major investment should be made, if the renovation did not result in fields which were maintainable at a reasonable expense and which would last for many years.
This is a consistent message given to the city by the two main user groups. If, as the letter says, these fields will need to be replaced in a few years, then the firms hired by the city did not deliver designs that meet the specified requirements. However, the user groups have been told that these goals would be met with the current plan. I don't understand how this can be an issue unless the city does not believe the firms they have hired or their staff.
Mark S. Linsky
Barksdale Court
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Saratoga, California Since 1955
