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Bhavin Sai Makkena stated cricket is a growing sport in the Bay Area and advised having a field in <br /> Pleasanton will be helpful for residents. <br /> Saswat reported growing up in India and passing this love on to his young son. His son expressed his <br /> passion for cricket and his dream of playing for the United States national team. He stated it is <br /> inconvenient having to travel to neighboring cities to play and requested a cricket ground in Pleasanton. <br /> Saanvi Immadi stated she knows of many girls like herself who would like to play cricket, but their <br /> parents are unable to regularly travel to other cities for games and practices. She reported playing <br /> cricket at Alisal Elementary School until last year when she outgrew its small size. She requested the a <br /> cricket field at Ken Mercer Sports Park. <br /> Sohan Kamath stated he supports cricket in Pleasanton, but not at Muirwood, echoing the concerns <br /> raised by others. <br /> Vikrant Dessai stated he plays cricket and expressed hopes Pleasanton will add a field at a sports park. <br /> He stated he shares the residents' safety concerns about a pitch at Muirwood. He questioned how the <br /> City would enforce an age restriction and advised it should be enjoyed by residents of all ages. He <br /> called for a 240-foot field whenever a permanent field is built. <br /> Gary Moorefield noted how under-utilized the baseball diamond is at Muirwood, theorizing it is for the <br /> same safety concerns as cricketers face with hard balls going in unpredictable directions. He advised <br /> the parking situation is bad at Muirfield. He requested more sidewalks around Muirwood and endorsed <br /> pickleball for the park. He endorsed Ken Mercer Sports Park for a cricket pitch. <br /> Ajay Immadi reported he is a Pleasanton Youth Commissioner who has been selected for the U.S. <br /> Under-19 national cricket team while two other Pleasanton residents were selected for the U.S. western <br /> regional team. He advised this is only possible due to the fields in neighboring cities. He noted the <br /> City's changing demographics. He endorsed a cricket pitch at ken Mercer Sports Park where minimal <br /> changes are needed, unlike at Bernal and Staples Ranch. <br /> Mayor Brown closed the public hearing. <br /> Councilmember Arkin moved to remove Muirwood Community Park from the list of sites, direct staff to <br /> explore options at Ken Mercer Sports Park for a near-term solution and explore Staples Ranch as a <br /> long-term solution. <br /> Mayor Brown requested an amendment to look at Bernal Community Park instead of Staples Ranch. <br /> In response to Councilmember Arkin, Assistant Director Crose advised that due to the existing <br /> infrastructure, building a pitch at Bernal could be done faster than just a pitch and no buildout at Staples <br /> Ranch. <br /> Councilmember Balch stated he would like to remand the entire item back to the Parks and Recreation <br /> Commission with direction to look at Staples Ranch, Bernal, Ken Mercer Sports Park, and add Donlon if <br /> PUSD is interested. He called for a broader motion. <br /> In response to Mayor Brown, Councilmember Balch clarified he is looking to add the friendly <br /> amendment so he could second Councilmember Arkin's motion. He agreed Ken Mercer Sports Park is <br /> a good near-term option. He stated staff should do the work to see if Donlon is feasible. <br /> Mayor Brown reported being in a meeting earlier today with PUSD where PUSD indicated it will move <br /> the fence line out and bisect the fields. <br /> City Council Minutes Page 10 of 18 April 12, 2022 <br />