Two Public Parks Totaling Over 9 Acres to Break Ground in Hacienda

By Hacienda Network Staff Writer

Two new public parks totaling 9.6 acres are scheduled to begin construction in Hacienda in the next few months. Both are expected to open in the first quarter of 1999.

The two parks are designed for different uses, according to Michael Fulford, the City of Pleasanton's landscape architect.

A 3.0 acre park, which will be situated in the middle of Security Capital Pacific Trust's Rosewood Apartment project, is designed for passive uses.

"There will be picnic tables, benches, and a tot lot, as well as a small plaza with a gazebo," he says.

Dubbed Owens Plaza Park, the area will be accessed off Owens Drive, at Rosewood Drive. Groundbreaking on the $450,000 project is anticipated in mid-July.

A second, 6.6 acre park will be constructed near the first park, connected by a footbridge over Tassajara Creek and the existing Linear Park. Vehicle access will be via West Las Positas Boulevard, between Stoneridge and Owens drives.

This park, budgeted at $950,000, will feature a large open lawn space, perfect for pick-up softball or soccer games, as well as a sand volleyball court, a full basketball court, and an additional play area with swings for older children. Parking will initially accommodate 19 cars.

Both parks will feature a variety of trees, including coast redwoods, Chanticleer pear, liquid amber, purple robe locust, English and coast live oak, and southern magnolia.

Construction on both parks is expected to be completed by the end of November. A three-month period before the park opens will allow plants to become acclimated to their new environment.

Pleasanton Offers a Variety of Sports Leagues, Adult Activities

The City of Pleasanton's Department of Parks & Community Services has a full menu of sports opportunities for both organized teams and individuals.

Pleasanton is blessed with some of the best facilities anywhere, including the Pleasanton Sports Park, the largest sports park in California and the new Pleasanton Tennis and Community Park at Hopyard Road and Valley Avenue.

Team Sports

A variety of team sports are offered on both a league and a drop-in basis.

Softball Adult softball leagues are sponsored from April to July and again from August through October. Several different classifications are available, including the popular business leagues in which all games have a 5:15 p.m. start time. Divisions include men's, women's, co-ed, men's masters (35 years and older), men's business, co-ed business, and men's legends (50 years and older).

Basketball Adult basketball leagues are conducted in the winter and spring, again featuring a variety of divisions. Basketball can be played on a drop-in basis at one of several Open Gyms, held from September through July every year.

Volleyball Adult volleyball leagues are held in the fall and spring. Drop-in volleyball is scheduled from September through July, as well.

Individual Sports

The city also offers many individual sports.

Golf Adult Golf School, "Golf in a Day," a short game clinic, and a 9-hole playing lesson are some of the opportunities.

Tennis Both lessons and leagues are available for adults at the new tennis facility. A special Drop-in Doubles Clinic is also scheduled for this summer.

Aquatics The Pleasanton Aquatic Center is home to competitive swimming as well as lap and recreational swimming. A Masters Swim Program features stroke instruction and coached workouts. Recreational and lap swimming are offered year round in the heated pool. Aqua Aerobics are also available.

More Information

For information on any of these programs, call (510) 484-8160.

Photo: The 6.6 acre park will be accessed via West Las Positas Boulevard. The 3 acre park is at the intersection of Owens and Rosewood drives.

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