The Seal Beach Tennis Center and plans for Bluebell Park are another example of the city wasting money on consultants who do a poor job. Similar plans were submitted in the past. The tennis center is not suitable for young children since decibel levels for noise are at extraordinary high levels. The readings were taken years ago and noise levels have only increased.
Adding a skateboard park and rock climbing wall are out of the question. Several years back the city took out the sauna and Jacuzzi in the locker rooms since the risk was too great for litigation.
When putting these plans together the city once again did not consult with the tennis club and fitness club membership to see what their wishes and desire for the club would be. After all, the membership pay monthly dues to the City of Seal Beach. Club revenues are approximately $300,000 per year and are rising. Both alternatives presented had no accommodations such as bathrooms or water for players. One of the renderings calls for another community center. College Park East already has a community center in Rossmoor center. The community center at Rossmoor gets little use.
Eliminating tennis courts is a very poor decision. It costs $80,000 to construct a decent tennis court and taking one out when space is available makes no sense. Altering Bluebell Park is another mistake. Recently, the parks’ configuration was altered after great debate. All the local citizenry assumed that the issue was settled and now it has arisen again.
No consideration has been given to installing lights on all the courts so they can be utilized at night. Installing solar panels would be a great idea.
I have been a member since 1991 at the center and have personally witnessed membership go from over 400 people to 130 since the city has got involved. In spite of the city’s deferred maintenance plan (no maintenance), usage on a yearly basis by individuals has surpassed 30,000 people per year.
The only time the center was vibrant was when it was run by a private entity. Unfortunately, the city mistakenly accused that individual of fraud and he now successfully runs a local tennis center for $1 a year. The city has had interest from the Tennis Channel and other groups to run the center but steadfastly insists that it can be run by the city.
The center is greatly in need of wind screens, drying machines, properly surfaced courts and a list of things too long to list.
At the April 27 meeting regarding the discussion of the two plans, it was said that the good things from both plans would be incorporated into a third plan. I maintain that it is impossible to generate a good plan from two flawed plans. Additionally, it was explained at the meeting by city officials that the city’s priorities are the repair of the pier, finding a site and building a swimming pool for the city, and finally the remodeling of the tennis center/community park. The reality of the situation is that the city does not really have the funding to address any of the priorities. I advocate that all of these projects should be given to private industry to relieve the City of the financial burdens.
At a recent community meeting in Cypress regarding the future plans for the racetrack if it closes, the overwhelming majority of people felt that they couldn’t trust their city council. After years of dealing with Seal Beach city officials, the citizenry here are also getting that distinct impression. These politicians are always promising the people things that the city cannot afford. They are dividing the people on plans and visions that will never materialize. We need to elect officials who are honest and do not practice these games.
