By Joani Gillam
and Maggie Robak
Staff Writers
The Manhattan Beach Unified School District school board, Manhattan Beach Athletic Foundation, and community members met on Jan. 12 to discuss MBAF’s two proposals for the improvement of the athletic facilities.
The two options were presented in order to receive public feedback in the community workshop. Plan A was created by a committee of members who represent various Costa sports teams. The second plan, Plan B, is a revised version of Plan A based on feedback received by the MBUSD board.
“When the rough designs of the athletic plans were announced, many people realized that there was no community input, so stakeholders got together and made a viable solution through Plan A,” Manhattan Beach Youth Athletics President Andrew Hunter said.
There are benefits and concerns that athletic representatives have pointed out regarding each plan. Plan A maintains the baseball field as it currently exists and adds a separate multipurpose field. Plan B, though more expensive, attempts to maximize field space with the creation of two multipurpose fields.
“When we came up with the two proposed plans, we wanted to get everyone’s opinion,” MBUSD Superintendent Dr. Michael Matthews said. “There were some legitimate complaints and it was necessary to make changes. Now, we need public feedback so we can come up with a compromise that is best for all athletes.”
Both Plan A and Plan B would keep the same number of tennis courts, provide two softball and two baseball fields and attempt to provide enough practice space for field sports such as soccer, football and lacrosse.
“Lacrosse is growing rapidly. We have about 60 guys who have nowhere to practice on Thursdays during their season. Lacrosse and other field sports need space to practice,” boys lacrosse coach Chris Jewett said.
Supporters of Plan A raised several concerns about the safety, space and cost of Plan B. The plan includes 200 feet of new retaining walls on Meadows Avenue in order to maintain the varsity baseball diamond as it is currently situated. This raises the cost of Plan B to over $1 million, above the MBAF budget.
“My major concern in Plan B is safety. With all the different types of sports being played, it would be hard to keep balls and other equipment for injuring other players,” varsity softball player Meghan von Behren said.
On the other hand, proponents of Plan B feel that it offers another valid option that utilizes the maximum amount of field space.
“Lacrosse and other field sports are constantly fighting for practice space. Plan B helps solve that problem. We need more empty space, and Plan A doesn’t address the future,” lacrosse parent Michael Marinelli said.
After considering all of the suggestions, Matthews will make a recommendation to the MBUSD board. The board will then vote and approve an athletics master plan for submission to the Department of the State Architect.
The board would like to decide on the final plan by Feb. 2 in order to start construction this summer and avoid negatively impacting sports during their seasons.
“Mira Costa athletics is not ranked 15th in the nation because of a single sport. It is because of the entire athletics program,” MBAF President Gary Wayland said. “This master plan is a community effort, and with everyone’s support, we hope to create the best situation for all athletes.”
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