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Parents and coaches press Orange Unified board for safer fields, deeper pool and equipment support
Summary
Public commenters representing El Medina, Orange High and Villa Park urged the board to address athletic facility shortfalls — lack of local football fields/tracks, shallow or deteriorating pools that prevent CIF hosting, hazardous turf and equipment needs — and called for creative, funded solutions.
Parents, coaches and community members used the Feb. 12 public-comment period to press trustees for improvements to athletic facilities and equipment.
Key concerns raised: Multiple speakers said El Medina High School lacks an on-campus football field and track and described frequent travel to other campuses for workouts and practices; a parent said his children had to travel 45 times to off-site venues over the past year. Orange High parents and coaches asked the district to address a shallow pool that is six inches too shallow for CIF regulation meets and warned that losing pool functionality would undermine their program. Several speakers asked for turf replacement, safer playing surfaces, and continued investment in protective equipment such as modern helmets.
Equity and access: Commenters framed facility access as both a safety issue and an equity issue: some schools’ athletes cannot access transportation or nearby facilities as easily as others, limiting practice options and the ability to host events.
District response: Trustees and staff acknowledged the concerns and noted the facilities discussion earlier in the meeting (deferred maintenance). Trustees encouraged continued dialogue and said the board would consider facilities needs in budgeting and project prioritization.
What comes next: Public commenters asked for creative solutions — more local access, prioritized repairs or renovations, and district-supported equipment — to ensure all student-athletes have safe spaces and sufficient resources.
Sources: Public comment submissions and spoken remarks during the Feb. 12 meeting.
