Residents of Saratoga have had to troop down to a city council meeting to argue over a small percentage of Kevin Moran Park. Unfortunately, it seems that every time we go there, we hear the same things repeated ad nauseam.

Some people living near the park want it to stay the way it is. Does that mean that the trees that are dying there to be kept forever? Does that mean no bathrooms?

They argue that it was intended as a "neighborhood park," but the Park and Trails Plan from 1991 defines a neighborhood park as between one and five acres. Kevin Moran, at about 10 acres, is the third largest city park. The 1991 plan clearly states that it is a "community park," defined as between five and 20 acres. It is about the same size as Congress Springs Park, but feels smaller and more intimate because of the trees.

Some confusion is because at various times both the city and the neighbors have used the phrase "neighborhood park." Do the people living near the park believe that it is for the exclusive use of the neighbors? How far would that exclusivity extend? As a Saratoga resident, I pay taxes to maintain all of the city parks. Do they believe that if I don't live near the park, I shouldn't use it even though I help to maintain it?

An often-repeated argument is that people cannot use the park when teams are practicing. When my son's team practiced there, I saw people of all ages, from toddlers to elders, walking for exercise and playing.

Some neighbors complained that traffic was snarled because of games on Saturdays. No organized sports have permits to use the park on Saturdays. If it is organized sports, the neighbors should call code enforcement.

Do the neighbors know that AYSO is asking for the use of the park for two or three hours, Mondays through Thursdays? They use less than 20 percent of the park area. One or two teams of 10 players are there at any one time. Carpooling has been used to reduce the effect on traffic.

It is time for both sides to stop bringing the issue to council meetings and let the task force work to find a middle ground.

Karlina Ott

Vintage Lane

City council shows its
concern over sidewalks

Earlier this year we attended two city council meetings regarding one of the agenda items: sidewalks and related liabilities. We were pleasantly surprised that the council and the director of sidewalks showed earnest concern about preventing the dangers of the jagged sidewalks on La Paloma.

This letter is to greatly thank the city for the subsequent "grinding" performed on La Paloma, which made this year one of the safest nights for trick-or-treaters (and for their parents). Also, such conscientious and responsible financial upkeep of these sidewalks greatly contributes to the preservation of our Heritage Lane area, and to the continued safety of one of the oldest neighborhoods in Saratoga.

Being a council member must be a very difficult position because of all the problem-solving and prioritizing complex financial issues. It would probably be easier to be a bounty hunter.

Nancy Kirk

La Paloma

Heritage Orchard best
place for soccer fields

After observing the Kevin Moran Park Task Force discussions, the only conclusion that can be reached that will satisfy all the concerned parties is to use the city's funds earmarked for Kevin Moran to develop a portion of Central Park, a.k.a. Heritage Orchard. A few of the 14 acres would allow multiple soccer fields for not only practices but also for games.

Lacrosse could be played without the fear of injury to unsuspecting passersby. Neighbors would not have to lose the quiet park atmosphere or have their property values reduced by traffic, noise and congestion virtually every weekend of the year. Avid supporters of leaving the Heritage Orchard for future generations would easily have enough left to satisfy them.

It amazes me that the hard push for Kevin Moran Park is taking place. Certainly, any intelligent individual realizes that a lacrosse field with a meditation park at one end and a children's swing set at the other creates a tremendous liability to the city for injuries. Central Park, a.k.a. Heritage Orchard, is bounded by two major streets and the city buildings, not a neighborhood with winding, narrow streets.

Additionally, downtown Saratoga would greatly benefit from a superb, well-planned sports park, like that in Santa Clara. Why is so much time and effort being spent on Kevin Moran Park when Central Park, a.k.a. Heritage Orchard, has all the answers?

Douglas J. Blatz

Northampton Drive

Meeting challenge of
shopping in the Village

A friend challenged me to fill four hours of shopping time in the Village of Saratoga. She felt there were not enough retail shops to make it worthwhile. I agreed to accept the challenge.

We had a lovely, quiet lunch (did you know that Gervais is now open for lunch?) and started on our way at 1 p.m. With five dress and accessory shops, two gift stores brimming with holiday items and three art galleries with lots of artisan wares, including jewelry and scarves, time was marching on. Then there were the three expensive jewelry shops, knitting and needlepoint shops to visit. The new chocolate shop and women's shoe store and two wonderful antique shops came next. Two card shops rounded out the day.

Four hours? Not a chance! We never got to them all! Best of all, our items were unique, not mall manufactured. And during that time, the ambiance of the Village was beautiful! The bright yellow ginko leaves covered the sidewalk, making us feel like we were back East in a different world. It was an ideal day of shopping.

By the way, if you see a gentleman with long hair and a ski cap riding his bike about town, he is our Village gardener, John Towler. John takes great pride in making the Village flowers look beautiful, so be sure to thank him for all his efforts. He is a treasure; his devotion to our Village is unlimited.

So please shop the friendly atmosphere in our historic downtown. I think you will find the experience highly rewarding!

Jill Hunter

Lomita Avenue