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Council delays Civic Park hardscape decision after mixed survey results; will keep grass for 2026
Summary
After a community survey and public comment showing divided opinion, Hanford council agreed to leave the roughly 4,000-square-foot lawn in front of Civic Auditorium as grass for 2026 and revisit hardscaping options after Winter Wonderland revenue and further analysis.
The Hanford City Council on Oct. 21 declined to move immediately to hardscape a roughly 4,000-square-foot grassy area in front of the Civic Auditorium, instead directing staff to retain grass through the 2026 season and revisit the issue following the winter events program and additional outreach.
Staff sought direction after a community survey and outreach showed a split response: while a portion of respondents favored hardscaping options (pavers, stamped concrete and other finishes), a plurality of survey respondents and several constituents told council they preferred keeping grass, citing shade and green-space concerns. Brian Johnson, the city’s communications manager, summarized the survey and said pavers were the most popular hardscape option among respondents who favored replacing grass; 309 respondents, Johnson reported, selected keeping the area as grass.
Why it matters
Civic Park’s front lawn hosts frequent public events including concerts, an annual “Winter Wonderland”…
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