SOCCER OFFICIAL CRIES FOUL OVER SOFTBALL PROJECT.

Byline: Sylvia L. Oliande Daily News Staff Writer

The regional commissioner of the Moorpark AYSO asked Wednesday that construction of a new softball field at Arroyo Vista Community Park be stopped because it is spilling over onto a soccer field, which city and softball officials said would be safe from excavation.

David Kropp, who worked with the city and the Moorpark Girls Softball Organization to find an amicable solution to concerns over park space a few months ago, said he was dismayed to find Tuesday night that the work has impacted a second mini-field.

``It is clear to me that the area they're excavating is encroaching in that field,'' he said of the work that began Monday. ``This is contrary to the council's direction.''

But city officials said that while a portion of the existing soccer field is being excavated, they are confident that it would not be a problem when American Youth Soccer Association play begins again next year.

``Soccer lines aren't permanent,'' said Mary Lindley, the city's director of community services. ``They wash away each winter and they have to be redrawn. We can still accommodate both of the small fields.''

The council agreed in October to allow the softball organization to build a third field at the park to facilitate the organization's move from Mountain Meadows Park to Arroyo Vista.

AYSO officials expressed concern about the field's impact on its two mini-fields. But softball and city officials assured them that the new facility would impact only one of their fields, which would be moved to another area in the park.

The soccer organization said its concern about losing a field was exacerbated by the fact that it stands to lose one midsize field next year when construction is complete on tennis courts.