New park will be named for fallen officers

Lolita Harper

COSTA MESA -- Two fallen Costa Mesa police officers may finally be

recognized for their ultimate sacrifice.

The City Council is expected to rename Maple Park, a small pocket park

in the making, to Ketchum-Libolt Park tonight in honor of the only two

Costa Mesa officers to ever be killed in the line of duty.

Council members previously reviewed plans for the small public park at

2150 Maple Ave. and decided to name it Maple Park. But after receiving a

letter from Police Capt. Jim Watson, the public services department has

recommended the name be changed to honor the officers.

“Certainly their service over 15 years as police officers for the city

and the ultimate sacrifice they made while carrying out their duties

would qualify them for consideration,” a letter from Watson read.

Dave Ketchum and Mike Libolt were killed March 10, 1987, in a

helicopter crash while chasing a stolen vehicle. Both officers were Costa

Mesa residents and Vietnam veterans. This year will mark the 15th

anniversary of their deaths.

“Other than their photos on display in the police department lobby,

little recognition has been given,” Watson’s letter reads. “While none of

us are looking for accolades for the job we do, recognition for what they

and their families sacrificed is long overdue.”

Ketchum widowed his wife, Meg, and left behind two daughters. Libolt

was engaged at the time of his death and also had two children.

Plans for the 15,130-square-foot park include a playground, picnic

area, turf area and a concrete play area. It will also have sound walls

and landscaping.

Law enforcement officials played a key role in the planning of the

park, as both council and planning commission members -- as well as

citizens -- expressed concerns about its safety at previous meetings.

Being surrounded by three sound walls, with only one entrance,

residents like Beth Refakes said they were concerned about illegal

activity in the park.

Councilwoman Karen Robinson shared Refakes’ sentiment and said a

single entrance could cause potential threats to public safety. In

earlier planning stages, Planning Commissioners Eleanor Egan and Bruce

Garlich suggested one of the park’s 8-foot-high sound walls on the

Victoria Street side be partially replaced with wrought-iron fencing to

improve visibility.

The police department deemed the park safe as it was originally

designed and the change was never approved.

Although parks are greatly needed on the Westside, residents also

argued the park was too small and located in a busy traffic area.

“We need parks desperately, but this one is in the wrong place,” said

Westside resident Janice Davidson.

* Lolita Harper covers Costa Mesa. She may be reached at (949)

574-4275 or by e-mail at o7 [email protected] .