Grading Needed for Trancas Canyon Park

BY BILL KOENEKER

Plans for Trancas Canyon Park reveal the city is seeking approval for over 125,000 cubic yards of grading for the small neighborhood park.
The Malibu Planning Commission is scheduled to hold a public hearing on Nov. 4 to consider permits and variances for the seven-acre park that includes a multi-use practice field, half court basketball court, picnic area, tot-lot, dog park, accessory buildings, onsite wastewater treatment system, parking area and dog park.
The massive amount of grading being considered is one of the most sensitive aspects of the park development. During various public hearings, residents testified about considering the minimum amount of grading as their preferred alternative.
The planning staff report explains the reasons why so much grading is sought for approval
“Approximately 126,528 cubic yards of grading (64,615 cubic yards of cut and 61,913 cubic yards of fill) would be required to construct the project including roughly 5500 cubic yards of exported material,” the report states in explaining the need for a variance.
Municipal planners say the majority of the grading is necessary to accommodate the proposed access road and parking areas and to create a relatively flat area for the dog park and picnic site.
The proposed park would include a 1.7-acre multi-use sports field for practice only, half-court basketball court, a picnic area, a tot-lot/playground, a one-acre dog park, and a 64-space parking lot.
“The structures proposed to be installed onsite are one restroom and one storage building and seven free-standing shade structures. No habitable structures are proposed,” the report adds.
The remaining 6.5 acres would be left as existing vegetation and natural topography. Plans call for constructing the park in one phase taking about four to six months. Park hours would be from 8 a.m. to sunset. Lighting would be restricted to interior lighting for the buildings, security lighting around the buildings and five-foot tall bollard lights in the parking lot. Ball field lighting is not proposed, the report notes.