Paso Robles council directs short-term fixes for sports fields, prioritizes Sherwood Park lighting and turf

The Paso Robles City Council on May 20 unanimously directed staff to implement short-term measures to increase youth sports field capacity — including adding lighting and renovating turf at Sherwood Park — and to pursue long-term park planning for Larry Moore and Beechwood parks.

The action follows a staff presentation showing a 59% rise in outdoor recreation league participation over five years and public testimony from dozens of parents, coaches and youth athletes who said field shortages are forcing teams to travel out of town. "We heard three consistent themes from user groups: more lights at Sherwood, maintenance, and additional youth fields across the city," Community Services Director Angelica Fortin said during the presentation.

Fortin told the council that the city currently owns 16 sports fields, 11 of which have lights, and that meeting National Recreation and Park Association standards would require about four additional fields. She said one lighted field at Pioneer Park will be lost after March 2027 because that site was sold to the fairgrounds. Fortin outlined short-term options estimated at roughly $1 million to $1.5 million each for field lighting and turf…