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Board authorizes staff to pursue replacement of ballfield lighting and calls for broader park plan
Summary
After extended debate over turf versus additional fields and accessibility, the board authorized staff to seek estimates and proceed with replacement of unsafe lighting at the county baseball and softball fields, authorizing preliminary spending up to $725,000 from unencumbered balance pending final quotes.
The Board of Supervisors discussed a multi‑part parks and recreation agenda item that covered field conditions, maintenance, ADA access, restroom upgrades and the long‑term layout of county park facilities. The meeting featured lengthy debate over whether to invest in synthetic turf (which increases playability but raises maintenance and health questions in public discussion) versus adding additional natural turf fields to spread wear.
Public works and parks staff described heavy weekend usage of the main county park and the difficulty of keeping grass fields playable year‑round. Staff showed photographs of fast wear in heavily used areas and explained the county’s maintenance limits: Bermuda and zoysia grasses have seasonal limitations in the county’s climate, and professionally maintained collegiate natural grass was not directly comparable to county‑maintained fields.
The board’s immediate operational concern was safety: several existing light poles at the county baseball field were structurally degraded, and a neighboring county softball field lacked night lighting, which meant middle‑school teams and park programs could be forced to stop early and caused uneven program schedules. Staff presented an estimate for replacement/repair of the baseball poles and installation of lights for the softball field; the total preliminary figure discussed was approximately $665,000, and the board authorized staff to move forward with the procurement process and to seek quotes/cost savings with an upper limit for preliminary appropriation set at $725,000 from the unencumbered fund balance pending final pricing and formal contract approval.
Supervisors emphasized they still want a comprehensive park master plan that looks at additional fields, parking, ADA access and long‑term capital needs (staff noted $25,000 in the current budget to begin architectural design for restrooms at Lomassie Park). The board action approved the immediate safety work on the ballfield lighting and directed staff to return with final quotes and a recommended contract for approval rather than immediately executing a contract at the meeting.
