TO: COMMUNITY AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
FROM: MELISSA VOLLARO, RECREATION AND HUMAN SERVICES DIRECTOR
DATE: APRIL 1, 2026
SUBJECT:
Title
REQUEST FOR USE OF ATHLETIC FIELDS AT LA PUERTA SPORTS PARK ON SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2026
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SUMMARY
Claremont Municipal Code section 11.08.020 prohibits use of La Puerta Sports Park for any formally organized sports competition on Sundays, unless the Community and Human Services Commission authorizes the Recreation and Human Services Department to issue a permit after consideration at a public meeting. Staff has received a request from Claremont Girls Fastpitch to utilize both softball fields at La Puerta Sports Park on Sunday, May 31, 2026, from 8:00 AM until 7:00 PM for a softball tournament and is bringing forth this item for the Commission’s review.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the Community and Human Services Commission authorize the Recreation and Human Services Department to issue a permit for use of La Puerta Sports Park on Sunday, May 31, 2026, between the hours of 8:00 AM-7:00 PM to Claremont Girls Fastpitch for the purpose of a softball tournament.
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ALTERNATIVES TO RECOMMENDATION
In addition to the staff recommendation, there are the following alternatives:
A. Deny the request for a permit.
B. Request additional information from staff.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The staff cost to prepare this report is estimated at $683 and is included in the operating budget of the Recreation and Human Services Department. The cost to notify all residences within 300 feet of La Puerta Sports Park of this meeting, as required by the Claremont Municipal Code, is $150 and is paid by the applicant.
ANALYSIS
Background
La Puerta Sports Park was developed in 1981 on land leased by the Claremont Unified School District to accommodate additional field space needed for Claremont’s youth sports organizations. Based on feedback from neighboring homes, the City Council passed Ordinance No. 94-15 on September 27, 1994, creating Title 11 of the Claremont Municipal Code, including section 11.08.020, which states, in part:
“No formally organized sports competitions may be held in La Puerta Sports Park on Sundays unless a permit has been authorized by the Community and Human Services Commission; provided, that when games originally set for other days must be rescheduled because of rain, they may be played on Sunday without obtaining a permit up to four times in any calendar year. Permits may be issued only after notice as provided in this section. Before authorizing the manager to issue the permit, the Community and Human Services Commission shall determine that the park is adequate to accommodate the proposed use, that the traffic generated by it can be properly managed, and that the proposed use will not have any adverse effect on adjacent property. In making these findings, the Community and Human Services Commission shall consider the frequency with which such permits have been issued and their cumulative impact on the neighborhood. […]”
Request
Pursuant to this section, Claremont Girls Fastpitch, a member of the Claremont Youth Sports Committee, is requesting use of La Puerta Sports Park for a softball tournament on Sunday, May 31, 2026, between the hours of 8:00 AM-7:00 PM. The proposed tournament will involve teams from both Claremont Girls Fastpitch and other surrounding leagues. While there are other fields available at other City parks, Claremont Fast Pitch is specifically requesting use of La Puerta Sports Park because it is the only park to feature two softball fields located adjacent to one another as well as the league’s snack bar, which make it an ideal tournament location.
Considerations
As outlined above, the Commission shall consider several key items when reviewing this request:
1. Is the park adequate to accommodate the proposed use?
La Puerta Sports Park is used regularly by both soccer and softball groups for tournaments or similar events on other days of the week. Additionally, it is common for multiple softball games and soccer games to occur simultaneously, which would not occur if the proposed tournament was approved. Therefore, staff believes that the park can easily accommodate the requested use, which is expected to be no more than 10 teams throughout the day. It is estimated that no more than 120 persons will be present at one time.
2. Can the traffic generated by this event be adequately managed?
Based on the proposed number of teams and participants requested, staff does not anticipate any traffic concerns. It is expected that traffic will be similar to when games are hosted on Saturdays.
3. Will the proposed use have any adverse impact on adjacent property?
Staff does not foresee any substantial adverse impact on surrounding property. While there will be noise and traffic impacts that do not usually occur on Sundays, these would not exceed typical Saturday use.
4. With what frequency have such permits been issued and what is their cumulative impact on the neighborhood?
Based on a review of readily available records, the last time the Commission reviewed a request for use of La Puerta Sports Park on a Sunday was in 2011. That request was for a similar event by Claremont Fast Pitch. Since that time, the Commission has not received any further requests. Therefore, staff believes the frequency with which these permits have been issued and any cumulative impact is minimal.
CEQA REVIEW
This item is not subject to environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
The agenda and staff report for this item have been posted on the City website and distributed to interested parties. A “Notice of Public Meeting” was posted at La Puerta Sports Park and mailed to all parcels located within 300 feet of La Puerta Sports Park, pursuant to Claremont Municipal Code Chapter 11.08. If you desire a paper copy, please contact the Recreation and Human Services Department.
Submitted by: Prepared by:
Melissa Vollaro Eric Ey
Recreation and Human Services Director Recreation and Human Services Manager