Agoura reconsiders sports facilities at Morrison Park

Malibu Pacific Tennis Courts, Inc. was awarded a $773,000 contract to construct tennis and basketball courts and restrooms at Morrison Park in Agoura Hills, but the restrooms are the only addition favored by all of the park's neighbors.

Some residents near the park may have convinced Agoura Hills City Council members to reconsider adding the three tennis courts. At a council meeting last summer, speakers tried to persuade council members to save the money and leave the park as is. Some families said they prefer to use the grassy park off Thousand Oaks Boulevard for picnics and as a children's play area.

At their Nov. 8 meeting, City Council members said they would reconsider adding the tennis courts if an agreement can be forged with Las Virgenes Unified School District and Agoura High School to allow the public more access to the campus' nine tennis courts.

If the district agrees to new hours of use, the cost of renovating Agoura High's courts would be the city's responsibility, officials said.

Malibu Pacific's initial estimate for school courts was just $135,000, compared to $364,000 for three new courts at the park, but the cost is expected to be higher since at least two courts must be completely revamped rather than renovated. The cost to install lighting was estimated at $145,000.

Agoura Hills resident Noel Gyro spoke on behalf of many who attended the recent council meeting.

Tennis courts "are entirely useless without lights," Gyro said of the park's proposed courts. She said traffic and limited parking were also issues, and "doing nothing is always an option." The city, however, would not agree to do nothing.

Amy Brink-Jones, director of community services for the city's recreation department, explained that Morrison Park was the last of the six parks to be improved, and the city's master plan called for a variety of amenities at different parks.

City officials would only consider renovating the school courts if at least two of the courts would be open to the public during the school day. Currently, students use the courts during school hours.

The city already has a partnership with the school district. Since the city paid for the school's tennis court lighting, the public is entitled to use the courts after school and in the evening.

"The courts technically belong to us after school," BrinkJones said.

Some residents said they would prefer to use tennis courts at Morrison Park rather than Agoura High School. "I would like to see a tennis court somewhere in Agoura Hills," said Barbara Hu.

Michael Hu, 12, asked council members if a community garden could be installed at the park rather than sports facilities that use so much concrete. Councilmember Dan Kuperberg said he agreed with Michael. "It's kind of shocking that a city like ours wouldn't have this kind of recreational opportunity," Kuperberg said. However, he said a firm deal with the school district was a viable option.

Councilmember Bill Koehler said he had "grave concerns" about parking availability at Morrison Park, and the city would save $250,000 if the school tennis courts were renovated, he said.

Even though Malibu Pacific's bid was substantially lower than the other construction bid, the $773,000 estimated cost is over budget by $128,000.

Council members decided to move forward with construction of permanent restrooms at Morrison Park, but said they want further information on the cost of building a park sports court instead of tennis and basketball courts. They also want to determine whether a decision can be reached between the city and school district on the hours of public use.

Phil Carter of Malibu Pacific said his company would be flexible in working with the city since the bid was structured with separate prices for each facet of the project.