Tony Gwynn tribute will be at Lake Poway

By Kevin Trevellyan

The City Council has selected the softball field at Lake Poway as the site of a tribute to San Diego Padres baseball star and longtime Poway resident Tony Gwynn.

Following a brief discussion Tuesday night, councilmembers asked city staff to prepare some details and cost estimates on how best to name the field after Gwynn, who died in June following a long battle with cancer. The estimate will include a plaque or monument near the field that will highlight Gwynn’s athletic and civic accomplishments.

The city ran an online survey from June 23 to July 31 to gauge community feedback on how to celebrate the achievements of Gwynn. Renaming the baseball fields at Community Park and installing new scoreboards and a plaque or monument received the majority of survey votes, with 27. A similar plan at Aubrey Park came in second with 13 votes, while the proposed Lake Poway plan came in third with three votes. A fourth option allowed voters to write in their own suggestions. Some recommended renaming Espola Road after Gwynn, or the entirety of Community Park, and others proposed a small museum focused on the baseball player.

Community members were invited to offer their comments at Tuesday night’s meeting, but only one person attended. Local artist John Wismont suggested a portrait of Gwynn at City Hall or similar location.

Councilman Steve Vaus said that he is in favor of building a substantial monument in Gwynn’s honor at Lake Poway, as opposed to a plaque. Poway-based San Diego Granite has offered to donate materials for the construction of such a structure, he said.

Councilman John Mullin, in agreement with Vaus, said that he favors Lake Poway over Community Park for honoring Gwynn. Mullin said that he feels the lake provides a more serene environment for visitors.

“It’s kind of a pensive place,” said Mullin. He also said that he would appreciate a monument that focuses not necessarily on Gwynn’s baseball ability, but his contributions to society. “I want something to show Tony as a human being, not just a right fielder,” said Mullin.

As for funding for the Lake Poway plan, Deputy Mayor Dave Grosch and Mayor Don Higginson said that they believe it will be possible to raise donations for future construction efforts.

Under separate consideration is a proposal to rename a portion of Ted Williams Parkway after Gwynn. Mayor Don Higginson said that Caltrans is developing several options and that any name change will require a vote of the state Legislature.