Port Hueneme accepts $710,000 turnkey turf grant, approves City Hall and Miranda Park designs

The Port Hueneme City Council on Feb. 17 accepted a $710,000 turnkey turf grant and approved conceptual designs to replace nonfunctional turf at City Hall and Miranda Park with drought‑tolerant plantings and upgraded irrigation.

Public Works Director Fred Camarillo said the grant, administered by the Inland Empire Utilities Agency, provides funds and contractor coordination to remove turf irrigated with potable water and install water‑efficient landscaping. Camarillo noted the project supports compliance with state requirements that local agencies remove nonfunctional turf irrigated with potable water beginning Jan. 1, 2027, and that the local project must be completed by June to meet grant timelines.

Landscape Manager Andrew Rex said the plant palette emphasizes California natives and lower maintenance designs; upgraded irrigation includes leak detection features that will reduce long‑term water and maintenance costs. Staff said the grant covers contractor services and that the city must still account for installation scheduling and some staff coordination.

Council discussed maintenance needs, potential impacts on public events at City Hall, and whether the project catalogued other nonfunctional turf areas for future grants. Staff said the City Hall front yard will be reconfigured to maintain event flexibility and that the city plans to catalog additional nonfunctional turf areas for future grant opportunities.

The council approved acceptance of the grant and the conceptual designs by a 4‑0 recorded vote (one council member recused from Miranda Park due to proximity). Staff will return with final contract documents and a construction schedule.