DATE: December 10, 2002
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT: Investigating the Feasibility of Building a Baseball Sports Complex in Lakeside

SUMMARY:
Overview
Today's proposal will direct the Chief Administrative Officer to conduct the necessary studies to determine the feasibility of constructing a baseball sports complex off Highway 67 at Riverford Road and Mast Boulevard in Lakeside.

Recommendations:
SUPERVISOR DIANNE JACOB:

1. Find that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15262.
2. Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to investigate the feasibility of constructing a baseball sports complex along the San Diego River near Riverford Road and Mast Boulevard in Lakeside and report back to the Board of Supervisors in 120 days with recommendations.
3. Transfer appropriations of $20,000 from the Community Projects budget (0262) to the County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation, Org. 5109, Account 2317 for an initial study for a sports complex in Lakeside.
4. Determine that the allocation listed above will benefit the public.

Fiscal Impact
The fiscal impact of the proposed recommendation is $20,000.00. The funding source is FY 2002-2003 District Two Community Projects (Org. 0262).

BACKGROUND:
East San Diego County has no shortage of first-class communities, but it certainly does have a shortage of first-class community sports facilities. Youth sports team enrollments are constantly on the rise, and yet it is increasingly difficult to find enough hours in a day or enough facilities in an area to accommodate the demand.

San Diego County needs a first-class baseball facility that could accommodate not only regular season practices and games for a variety of groups, but that could also host tournaments and bring in visitors from outside the immediate area.

One option for locating a facility of this nature is in Lakeside, off of Highway 67 and Riverford Road at Mast Boulevard. Approximately 15 acres of undeveloped property adjacent to the San Diego River could provide a central location for a baseball sports complex, which would serve primarily for youth league play and tournaments. Opportunities for trail access to the San Diego River next to the sports complex also exist, making such a project as appealing to the hiker and equestrian as it is to the parent or the shortstop.

Today's action will direct the Chief Administrative Officer to investigate the feasibility of constructing a baseball sports complex on this property, and to return to the Board within 120 days with a report and recommendations. Further, today's action will provide funding for an initial study at this site in the amount of $20,000 from District Two Community Projects. It does not approve funding for or development of the new park.

I urge your support.

Respectfully Submitted,

DIANNE JACOB
Supervisor, Second District