TUSTIN : New Sports Park Will Accommodate Baseball Too

In a move to increase recreational opportunities for local teen-agers, the City Council has directed that Tustin Sports Park be modified to accommodate both softball and hardball games.

The council action Monday drew applause from supporters of the Senior Little League baseball program for 13- to 17-year-olds.

Plans for the new park, where construction is about 70% complete, had called for three softball fields to be built along Jamboree Road and Robinson Drive. Now the middle and largest field will be converted into a dual-use facility for baseball and softball.

“We’re the only city I know of in Orange County that doesn’t have a (hardball) facility,” said Councilman Jim Potts, who was joined by the other council members in calling for the park modifications.

According to city estimates, it will cost up to $20,000 to enlarge the infield and alter the sprinkler system, and up to $60,000 to install an outfield screen to keep batted balls from flying into traffic.

“We have money in our budget,” said Councilwoman Tracy Worley, who called for even more support of the local baseball program. She asked city staff members to examine the feasibility of converting one or both of the remaining fields into dual-use facilities.