HUNTINGTON BEACH Sports Complex (OC Sports Commission).

By Jim Tortolano
Orange County Tribune

“There’s no reason why Huntington Beach can’t have the best sports complex in California,” said Mayor Casey McKeon at Tuesday’s meeting of the Huntington Beach City Council.

There was general agreement on that among most council members during a study session on a proposal for a 20-year extension on the operating agreement on the athletic facility at Goldenwest Street and Talbert Avenue.

But just how much it should cost the city and how safe the use of artificial turf is extended the discussion to over two hours.
Finally, the council voted 7-0 in favor of a motion to refer the proposal from the facility’s operators – HBSC Partners – back to the city’s Finance Commission for further study and a recommendation at its Aug. 18 meeting.

Proposed by HBSC is replacing grass with artificial turf, changing the lighting to LED from incandescent, building a enclosed RISE Training Center for all-weather exercise and instruction, replacing outdated batting cages, providing sponsorships and attracting retail vendors.

The total cost of the renovation of the complex – about 20 years old now – will be close to $20 million, with the city providing an estimated $14.5 million.

The proposal to the council estimated that the city would receive $745,000 annually in net income from the project.

Some council members expressed skepticism about HBSC’s numbers. Another – Gracey Larrea-Van Der Mark – raised concerns about alleged health hazards associated with the use of artificial grasses and turfs, claiming they are connected to a wide variety of illnesses and injuries.

The next meeting of the city council will be on July 21.