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TRPA says play ball at Tahoe Paradise

Rick Chandler

The El Dorado County Parks and Recreation Department cleared a major hurdle recently toward construction of new recreation facilities at Tahoe Paradise Park.

A 30-acre parcel within the park has been classified as high-capability land by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, giving the go-ahead for the proposed construction of recreation facilities – including three new ball fields. If, that is, funding can be obtained.

The land had been appraised as sensitive land as part of an environmental study last year by STAR – the South Tahoe Alliance for Recreation – which is the organization which drafted the Recreation Master Plan. But in late July, the TRPA classified Tahoe Paradise as high-capability, meaning that the water table and soil condition are such that ball fields and other facilities could be constructed there without a negative impact on soil erosion.



The parcel is located near the end of Lake Baron, on land that is owned by the U.S. Forest Service.

And it’s all part of the ambitious South Lake Tahoe Recreation Master Plan – a series of projects that would provide as many as six new or revamped recreation parcels in the South Shore/Meyers/Tahoe Paradise areas.



“We’re very happy with the progress we’ve made,” said STAR consultant Dennis Crabb. “Things are moving significantly ahead of schedule.”

The next step in the Tahoe Paradise portion of the Master Plan will be to obtain funding for proposed projects and maintenance at Tahoe Paradise Park.

STAR is currently exploring the feasibility of a ballot measure, and is finalizing plans for a telephone survey of 400 registered voters.

STAR has also staked fields and created maps to bring to life what the facilities would look like.

It will all be available for inspection and discussion on Saturday, as STAR plays host to a community forum from 10 a.m. to noon at Meyers Elementary School. A field trip to proposed recreation sites will follow the forum.

Other STAR projects include the old Meyers Dump site – a 160-acre parcel near the intersection of Pioneer Trail and Elks Club Drive, which would include four multi-use ball fields and other amenities.

State Rep. John Doolittle and Sen. Dianne Feinstein have agreed to carry an appropriation bill to Congress, earmarking $1.5 million for cleanup and an additional $1.5 million for construction at that site.

In addition, Lake Tahoe Community College has received state funding to construct a field house at the proposed recreation area adjacent to the college campus, on Al Tahoe Boulevard. Already approved on that site is the construction of two ball fields.

Another priority in the Master Plan is a new bike trail system, which would incorporate portions of existing trail, placed away from U.S. Highway 50. The Tahoe Conservancy has indicated that they will fund that project.

STAR will hold its monthly planning meeting on Thursday, Sept. 30, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Valhalla Conference Room, and the public is invited to attend.

Meeting box: What: STAR Community Forum. Where: Meyers Elementary School. When: Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon.


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