Placerville commissioners back staff-led turf repairs at Lions Park; volunteers and equipment purchases planned

Placerville Recreation and Parks staff outlined plans to begin in-house turf repairs at Lions Park and asked commissioners and the public for feedback on longer-term drainage and master-planning needs.

The discussion centered on immediate work to make softball fields safe for the upcoming season and on whether the city should hire outside consultants for a broader master plan. Community Services Director Dennis Nishihara said the commission is proposing initial, staff-led turf repairs and described the move as fiscally prudent: “after taking a few looks at some of the expenses, I think having it in house … is advantageous … for the long term return on investment,” Nishihara said.

Commissioners and speakers at the meeting raised cost, timing and outreach questions. Staff estimated roughly $25,000–$30,000 to do primary field repairs in house, not including some staff hours and equipment rental or purchase. Field maintenance staff and volunteers described a work program that would include aeration, monthly top-dressing and reseeding with Bermuda suited for Placerville’s transition climate. Mark Stringfeld, field maintenance staff, said, “The seed has already been ordered … This stuff will be incorporated in the field. The grass, it's there. It will start growing over the summer.”

Why it matters: Lions Park is a regional facility used by adult softball leagues, youth players and other community groups. Commissioners described the park as one of the city’s largest recreational draws, and several public speakers emphasized player safety and the local economic value of attracting tournaments.

Details and next steps - Immediate repairs and safety work: Staff proposed focusing first on turf repair so play can begin this season; that work is being organized now and staff aim to start within weeks. Nishihara said drainage questions remain and recommended an irrigation audit before extensive reconstruction. - Cost estimates: Staff estimated about $25,000–$30,000 for primary in-house field repair (materials, smaller equipment and some implements). A local vendor had earlier quoted about $40,000 for materials; an outside contractor quote discussed at prior meetings was roughly $58,800 per field. Large drainage reconstruction was discussed as a much larger undertaking; staff warned true reconstruction could reach roughly the “million-dollar” scale and said the city is not prepared to fund that level this year. - Equipment: Parks staff said the $25,000–$30,000 figure includes purchasing items such as an aerator, top dresser and dethatcher. Staff said the city currently lacks a tractor; staff and volunteers discussed short-term rental (~$3,700 for a month) versus purchasing used tractors (estimates discussed in the meeting ranged roughly from $15,000 to $60,000 depending on horsepower and condition). Staff said they are also exploring used-equipment listings and community donations. - Volunteers and workdays: Staff and field maintenance organized volunteer workdays immediately after the meeting. Volunteers must sign liability waivers; staff will circulate a sign-up and waiver form. Mark Stringfeld offered to supervise volunteer work: “When I do it, it's gonna be bucket loads of mix onto the field, and then it needs to be spread.” - Master plan and consultant: Staff recommended hiring a park-planning consultant to engage neighbors and users about long-term amenities and deferred maintenance, but commissioners suggested cost-saving alternatives (in-house meetings, newsletters and targeted outreach). Staff estimated a consultant-led master-plan study would cost roughly $30,000–$50,000. - Irrigation and drainage: Staff reported an irrigation study has been completed by an outside firm (REUI) and that further audit work is needed to identify where pressure or distribution problems originate. Commissioners emphasized that an irrigation audit should precede major reconstruction or replacement of irrigation piping.

What remained undecided No formal budget appropriation or contract award was voted on during the meeting. Commissioners asked staff to continue planning, pursue volunteer coordination and return with further details on timeline, specific equipment purchases and the scope and cost of an irrigation audit or consultant study.

Public input and operational notes Multiple public commenters, including long-time players and organizers from the newly formed Placerville Softball Committee, urged prioritizing player safety and praised the staff-led approach. Craig Larnsey, representing the Placerville Softball Committee, said the nonprofit will seek to raise funds to funnel directly to park improvements.

Ending Staff will coordinate volunteer sign-ups, secure immediate materials and equipment rentals where needed, and return to the commission with a timeline and cost breakdown for the next meeting.