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Hundreds of parents and coaches urge transparency after reports of exclusive access talks for Centennial Park fields
Summary
Dozens of local coaches, parents and youth leagues told the council they fear a private organization's talks with the city could restrict public access to Centennial Park and other synthetic fields; the city manager said no contract exists and any agreement would be brought to council.
Hundreds of players, parents and youth-league representatives turned out at Tuesday's Santa Ana City Council meeting to demand transparency and fairness after reports that a private soccer organization sought exclusive use of synthetic fields at Centennial Park and Santa Ana Stadium.
Speakers from Mesa Verde, United Latin, Jam Sports, Santa Ana United and other local clubs described long-term reliance on city fields and said they fear being displaced by preferential agreements. Karen Perez, a league organizer, said she requested public records about an exclusive agreement and had not received a timely response: "Why are the negotiations being done under the…
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