Neighbors to Voice Fears About Expansion of School Fields

Homeowners near the new McPherson magnet school, alarmed by the city’s plans to renovate 18 acres of the school’s athletic fields, have called city officials to a public meeting tonight to discuss the project.

The residents said they only recently learned of the project, which is to include building four full-size soccer fields, five baseball diamonds, two concession and restroom areas, basketball courts and parking lots for the site at 333 S. Prospect St. The $2.5-million project will serve about 4,000 young athletes in several athletic clubs.

That has homeowner Mary Chilla very nervous. “I’m concerned about traffic,” said Chilla, who lives nearby. “The traffic is horrendous from soccer games played there now. I’m concerned about the whole idea of having continual year-round games going on in my frontyard and what that will do to the value of my home.”

She and other neighbors said they also are angry because city and school officials have not kept them informed about the plans.

Both the City Council and the board of Orange Unified School District have tentatively approved the plans, and each is to cast a final vote Tuesday.

Residents say they hope to have expressed their concerns by then. They are to meet at 7 tonight at the school with Mayor Joanne Coontz and other officials from the city and the school district.

Information: (714) 744-5500.