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Council pauses park turf purchase as staff explores costs; summer programs draw growing enrollment
Summary
Council took no action on a proposed artificial turf infield (cost estimate shown) and directed staff to seek more information. Separately, summer recreation programs show rising participation, and councilors raised concerns about school district fees for community use of facilities.
Palm View — The City Council on Tuesday declined to approve immediate park turf installation and asked staff to gather additional technical and cost details; the council also discussed growing summer recreation enrollment and community concerns about school district facility fees.
Parks staff provided an update showing roughly $150,000 borrowed for park improvements with about $60,000 spent to date and roughly $90,000 remaining. A turf proposal for one infield and batting‑cage surfacing arrived at about $19,500, a price staff said covered installation for a single infield but that would likely omit ancillary work such as grading, base preparation and drainage. Director Robert Lugo and staff noted that a full turf field could cost in the low‑to‑mid six figures, citing examples where a single field can exceed $200,000.
Councilmembers asked for vendor details, questions about leveling, subbase and stormwater handling, and recommended inviting the turf vendor to a workshop to explain scope and pricing differences. Council agreed to take no action on turf purchases at the meeting and to return the item with vendor presentations and cost breakdowns.
Separately, recreation and parks reported rising summer program registration: track (46 enrolled), volleyball (70), golf (24) and multiple baseball leagues and camps. Staff said many programs are priced at $45 per participant except golf and track, which have higher third‑party costs. Council members expressed concern that La Jolla ISD is charging the city for track and golf facility use this year (staff said the district raised a fee for the kids’ golf program to $50 per child), shifting costs to parents or the city. Several council members called for further discussion with the school district and for staff to examine options to avoid passing extra costs to families.
What happens next: Staff will invite turf vendors to workshops, provide detailed cost and subsurface plans, and return turf options to the council. Parks staff will also brief the council on options to manage school district facility fees or identify alternative venues.
