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Publication Date: Friday, August 15, 2003

Guest Opinion

In a recent issue of the Pleasanton Weekly, an entire section was devoted to the proposed development of the California Splash Water Park at Shadow Cliffs. This was the first time we were made aware of this proposed project and were both shocked and angered that the city and Planning Commission are even considering this theme park for our city. It seems that we are not alone. Since this article was published, we have been contacted by friends and neighbors to oppose this project, which we do. Those of us who are in opposition are trying to get the word out to discourage the project from being developed.

There are several reasons why: ¥ Traffic. Over the last couple of years, there has been a major increase in traffic throughout Pleasanton. This is due to the over-development of office and housing projects in our city. It is also in part due to other developments in neighboring cities, such as Livermore and Tracy, whose residents use our streets as thoroughfares. If this water park is developed, we will see an increase in the rate of traffic on our already over-burdened city and neighborhood streets. ¥ Crime. There will be an increase in crime if this project is developed as there is in cities with similar theme parks, such as Vallejo, Concord, Manteca and San Jose. These parks bring with them an element of uncontrolled teenagers, and more. This will over-burden the city's police force. How will the citizens of the city of Pleasanton react when we have an increase in taxes to pay for the extra security that will be needed to protect our neighborhoods if this project is developed? ¥ Noise. We live on Kottinger Drive in Pleasanton. We not only hear the Alameda County Fairgrounds from our house when it has events, but we also hear the events being held at Shadow Cliffs, such as motor boats. There will be a definite increase in noise pollution if this water project is developed. ¥ Open Space Land. The open space in Pleasanton is quickly being devoured by housing and office developments. The hills, valleys and parks are one of the main reasons that attracted our family to move here. This water park project will not only be a horrible eyesore in our community, but will also be utilizing valuable park space.

The developers state that this project will bring an increase in revenue to the city of Pleasanton. We strongly disagree. Families and individuals will be discouraged from buying homes in Pleasanton due to the increase in traffic and crime, causing a decrease in the tax base. Also, families and individuals who are currently living in Pleasanton may choose to move out of Pleasanton due to the increase in traffic, crime and noise that this park will bring to the city.

For those of you who also oppose this project, please e-mail Steve Otto of the city's Planning Department at sotto@ci.pleasanton.ca.us and to City Council members through the city's Web site at http://www.ci.pleasanton.ca.us/contactcc.html so that your comments can go on record. We strongly disagree with the development of this water park and would like the City Council members and Planning Commission to discourage this theme park project from going forward. Develop this land into a park, not a theme park. We need what little open space/park land that we have left in our city.

The Scherers work in San Francisco and on the Peninsula and have enjoyed the "small-town" feeling Pleasanton evokes. They have lived in Pleasanton for over 10 years.