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Auburn Bocce Club asks council to fund artificial surface for Lehi Cove Park courts
Summary
Members of the Auburn Bocce Club urged the City Council to approve budget funding this year to replace the existing oyster-shell courts at Lehi Cove Park with an artificial playing surface and offered volunteer labor to help with installation.
John Tolo Jr., secretary of the Auburn Bocce Club, asked the Auburn City Council on Monday to approve a budget this year to replace the park's four oyster-shell bocce courts with an artificial surface.
The request, made during the council's public-comment period, stemmed from maintenance and weather issues that club members said make the current surface costly and difficult to keep playable. The club offered volunteer labor to reduce installation costs.
"I'm requesting that the Auburn City Council approve a budget for this project to be completed this year," Tolo said. He told the council the artificial surface would be easier to maintain and more economical over the long run, citing a similar installation at Woodland Park in Seattle.
Salvador Gascona, who identified himself as a longtime player and said the courts were inaugurated in 2014, told the council the current oyster-shell surface becomes mossy and difficult to play on during rainy months. "We have no help for maintenance," he said, adding that club members have a memorandum of understanding with the city dating to about 20 years ago and that the club received $10 an hour in the past for maintenance and instruction.
Club speakers said the courts host tournaments that draw players from around the state and benefit local businesses. They asked the council to prioritize the project ahead of the summer season.
The council did not take action on the request at the meeting; public comment was recorded and the speakers provided a written proposal for distribution to staff.
Tolo and Gascona both offered to have club volunteers assist with installation to lower the city's costs.
The council acknowledged receipt of the proposal and indicated staff would receive copies for review; no motion or budget allocation was made at the meeting.
The item may return to the council as a staff recommendation if the parks department pursues a replacement surface and presents a cost estimate or funding source.
