Parents, athletes urge New Haven Unified to preserve James Logan access for Mission Valley track

Dozens of Mission Valley Track and Field athletes, parents and their coach told the New Haven Unified School District board on Aug. 12 that continued access to James Logan High School’s track and related facilities is critical to the club’s success and community benefits.

“My name is Allison Kelly. I grew up at Logan and I vote yes on Measure N because I wanted to see upgrades,” said Allison Kelly, who asked the district to repair the aging Logan pool after an algae-related closure this summer. Multiple parents and youth speakers recounted competitive results they said were made possible by access to the field and track, including junior-Olympics and national finishes.

Coach Lee Webb summarized the program’s reach and community work, saying the club produced national champions, ran holiday drives and hosted clinics with Olympians. “We hosted a couple meets…this team was the top team in the whole region,” Webb said, describing clinic work, fundraising and the program’s role in keeping students engaged.

Speakers including Gilbert Mendoza and others urged district support beyond occasional use: Mendoza requested a resolution to dedicate a Little League field to his father and offered to fund signage; several parents asked the board to continue the club’s ‘legacy’ status that allows Mission Valley to use facilities at low or no cost. Parents highlighted that the program provides free coaching, opportunities for very young children and special-needs inclusion, including parathlete runs.

Board members did not take a vote on facility policy during public comment; trustees and staff later noted that some construction and facilities projects are underway, including selection of a contractor for one track-and-field project and ongoing approval processes for another site. The district’s superintendent said the Logan pool is functional for the near term but that both short- and long-term repair options are under review.

The presentation of community testimonials concluded without a board decision; trustees said staff will follow up through committee or staff meetings and invited the primary public commenters to bring proposals to the appropriate committee for consideration.

Next steps: Trustees indicated the finance/technology/facilities committee could be a venue for Mr. Mendoza’s request, and staff said they will continue to vet pool and field repair options and timelines.