Far from ending the dispute about the future of Aromas Park, the
Monterey County Parks Commission’s decision Wednesday to approve a
plan to remodel the park has some wanting to bring the matter to
court.
Hollister – Far from ending the dispute about the future of Aromas Park, the Monterey County Parks Commission’s decision Wednesday to approve a plan to remodel the park has some wanting to bring the matter to court.
George Mortan, with the Aromas Park Volunteers, said he has consulted his lawyer and that they are investigating ways to change the commission’s decision. In the meantime, Mortan said he is considering filing a request for an injunction to delay the development.
“We’re getting our ducks in a row,” he said. “I think it’s going to have to be a thing settled in court.”
The debate over whether to remodel the 9,000 square foot park on the corner of Blohm and Carpenteria has been raging for the past year. Opponents say that it is a rustic historic park and want it to stay that way. Proponents of the remodel see the park as overgrown and inaccessible and want to make it into a town square.
In 1987, Aromas residents bought the property and gave it to Monterey County, which established it as a county park. Some residents say the property’s use as a park stretches back six decades.
The commission’s decision left neither side satisfied. Wayne Holman, a member of the town square committee, formed a year ago to push for the remodeling project, had mixed feelings about the commission’s decision.
“It’s unfortunate that there could not have been a commitment, a meeting of the minds, to work together,” said Holman. “There was no cheering, no gloating. I was kind of saddened by the whole meeting.”
The plan includes creating an entrance area for the park with a sign and a patio area with benches, according to Holman. Also, a tree and rock piles in the park will be removed. Holman added that the new design will provide better wheelchair and stroller access.
“It will be a place for people to sit and gather,” he said. “What was proposed is not major or dramatic changes.”
The remodel will not begin until Monterey County attorneys draft a contract between the county and the town square committee. Holman said that the remodel will be funded by contributions of time and labor and help from various service organizations. The Aromas Eagles Club, of which he is a member, has pledged $3,000 per year for five years.
