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Residents urge pause on Ocean View Park sand volleyball plan, cite trees and space concerns
Summary
Multiple residents told the Albany City Council that Ocean View Park is not suitable for a proposed sand volleyball court because of limited space, overhanging redwoods, leaf litter, safety and maintenance concerns; callers urged staff to reconsider alternate sites.
Several residents spoke during the public-comment period on Sept. 15 urging the council to pause or reconsider a proposed sand volleyball court at Ocean View Park.
Joe Machara said the small green space at Ocean View Park is multiuse and that constructing a sand court would require excavating up to three feet near redwood roots, potentially harming tree root systems. “We just found out about it,” Machara said, and argued that the existing grassy volleyball area accommodates larger teams and multiple players without the expense and maintenance burdens of a sand court.
Yishan Chen asked the council to “pause” the Ocean View Park proposal and study alternatives such as Peggy Thompson Park, Memorial Park or Albany Bulb. Chen said the tree overhang would drop leaves into sand, the uncaged location could attract drinking or broken glass, and local players said the site lacks the perimeter space needed for sustainable play.
Responding earlier in the meeting, the City Manager had noted that the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Commission had discussed a sand volleyball concept and that the topic will return to council later this fall. Council members and staff did not take formal action on the public comments that night.
Speakers asked the city to prioritize preserving the park’s green space or to locate a sand court where space and tree impacts would be less problematic. No council vote or staff directive to build a sand court occurred during the meeting.
