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Residents urge Albany to drop plan for volleyball court at Ocean View Park, cite trees, drainage and climate goals
Summary
Several residents told the City Council during the public-comment period that a proposed sand-and-asphalt volleyball court in Ocean View Park would remove rare green space, threaten redwood trees, worsen stormwater and contradict the city's Climate Action Plan.
Dozens of Albany residents used the council's public-comment period on Sept. 2 to urge the City Council to halt plans to convert a small grassy area near the Ocean View Community Garden into a sand-and-asphalt volleyball court.
Speakers warned the project would remove scarce green space, damage nearby coast live redwoods, increase impermeable surface area and strain neighborhood parking. Several residents asked the city to consider alternative sites such as Peggy Thompson Pierce Park, Albany Beach or Memorial Park.
"This small patch of grass actually mitigates the urban heat caused by the surrounding sport complexes," said Jackie Hermes, a longtime member of the Ocean View Community Garden. "Community parks need to provide some gathering space with a respite from noise and for relaxation of those who don't play sports."
Julie Knapp, another garden member who has held neighborhood parties there for years, said the grassy patch offers a place for small gatherings and children: "My daughter says, 'I think you should not move the grass because it's kind of like a dog park to the dogs.'" Resident Maya called the proposal "anti-environment, anti-nature and anti-green," noting the park already includes several sports facilities and playground space.
Landscape architect Ishan raised technical concerns about the proposed siting: low branches near the proposed court would reduce playability and soil compaction from frequent use could "kill the already dying redwood trees." Sharon, another long-term gardener, warned the city would need costly drainage and filtration near the creek and described maintenance costs for sand delivery and replacement.
Resident Sue Lai outlined the ecological importance of the park's redwoods and their shallow, extensive root systems, which rely on permeable ground and fog moisture. "If having a volleyball court here means more asphalt, more paved surfaces, there will be less permeable surface for the rainwater to seep into the ground surface, and these trees will eventually die," she said.
Speakers said Ocean View Park is already home to soccer, baseball, picnic tables, tennis, pickleball, a children's playground and community garden; several asked the council to reconsider placing an additional sports surface in a compact park.
Mayor Robin D. Lopez acknowledged the many speakers and said the council would consider the points raised when the volleyball project returns to a formal agenda. No vote or formal action on the volleyball design was taken during the Sept. 2 meeting; the matter was raised in public comment and will return for formal review when staff brings a project proposal forward.
Why it matters: The proposed court raises competing uses for a small park in a densely built portion of Albany. Neighbors said the site functions as a respite, a place for children and a community garden buffer, and they warned tree loss and increased impermeable surface would conflict with Albany's climate and resilience objectives.
What happened next: Councilmembers did not take action; residents were told the project would come back to the council as a formal agenda item where staff would present designs, environmental/engineering details and recommended alternatives.
