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Council accepts artificial‑turf feasibility study for North Mesa and Overlook parks; vote 6–1
Summary
Los Alamos County accepted a feasibility study (not a commitment to build) on Nov. 18 that evaluates synthetic turf and site improvements at North Mesa and Overlook parks, after consultants described outreach, design options, costs and accessibility concerns. Council accepted the study 6–1; one councilor opposed.
The Los Alamos County Council voted 6–1 on Nov. 18 to accept the Los Alamos County Artificial Turf and Site Improvements Feasibility Study, a planning document that evaluates possible synthetic turf installations, field reconfigurations and accessibility upgrades at North Mesa and Overlook parks.
Consultant Anya Pastushevska (NV5) told council the study reflects five public meetings, targeted interviews with schools and youth leagues, two community surveys and posted schematics displayed at the parks with QR codes for public comment. The report provides a menu of options — from status quo with accessibility improvements to field realignment and phased turf installations — and presents phased cost estimates and implementation sequences.
Pastushevska and other presenters emphasized the study is advisory and not a master plan: "This is just simply a tool for us to use moving forward," the project manager said. Staff clarified that adoption does not commit funding or require immediate construction, and that implementation steps (design, public process, bidding) would come back to the council and be guided by budget availability; staff noted work would likely not begin before FY2028 absent different direction.
Public users raised concerns. Susan Ramsey, representing the Endeavor Working Dog Club, said the proposed dog‑training area in schematic plans is too small for competition‑level training and asked that longstanding field user groups be included in detailed design decisions.
Councilors discussed timing, phasing, accessibility and the study’s flexibility. One councilor said the report offers options and recommended accessibility upgrades be prioritized; another said the package balanced options for reconfiguration versus incremental upgrades. The motion to accept the study was made by Councilor Herman and seconded; the roll call recorded six votes in favor and one no (Councilor Regor).
