Monday's Just Fix It about the worn-out condition of outdoor basketball courts near the Mission Bay Park Visitor Information Center brought an admirable response from the city, considering the Park and Recreation Department's budget shortfalls these days.
THE SITE: South De Anza Cove, Mission Bay Park
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Loose gravel on the two courts would be swept up, and a particularly bad, faultlike crack that posed one of the worst tripping hazards would be filled in and smoothed out by the end of the week, said Mike Ruiz, acting district manager for Mission Bay Park.
In a visit Wednesday, however, it was obvious the work being performed on the courts was far beyond what was promised.
A crew of five had emptied a dozen containers of crack filler and black seal coat, covering nearly half of one court – and the crew was just getting started.
What happened?
Ruiz said that as the work got under way, San Diego officials realized mere touch-ups weren't enough for courts being characterized as an invitation to a broken ankle. Some cracks that appeared superficial, Ruiz said, “are actually pretty deep.”
“We felt rather than doing a half-cocked job, let's do it properly,” he added. “Park and Rec wants to make sure that both courts are safe and smooth to play on.”
While the courts aren't being completely resurfaced, as many cracks as possible – mostly on the west side of the court – are being filled in.
The seal coat will take a week or so to cure after the job is done. A crew will return after the Thanksgiving holiday to restripe the courts, Ruiz said.
Proposition C, a Mission Bay Park funding measure approved by San Diego voters this month, might provide opportunities for improvements to the South De Anza Cove and Crown Point basketball courts down the road.
And Ruiz said Monday's Just Fix It column also brought in offers of donations to repair the courts sooner rather than later. If you'd like to help, you can get in touch through the contact information below.
WHO'S GETTING IT FIXED: Mike Ruiz, who can be reached at (619) 235-1158 or askparks@sandiego.gov, regarding maintenance and operations issues in Mission Bay Park.
NEED A PROBLEM SOLVED: Is there a problem government hasn't fixed despite your complaints? Just Fix It might be able to help.
Complaint forms are at justfixit.uniontrib.com, or call (800) 820-8714.
