Snohomish County staff seek $385,250 for feasibility study to convert Maltby fields to synthetic turf

Council staff presented Ordinance 26-006 on Feb. 17, asking the Snohomish County Council Planning and Community Development Committee to move the item to Governmental & Legislative Services for scheduling a public hearing. Debbie Mock, council staff, said the proposed interlocal agreement with the East County Park and Recreation District would provide financial assistance for a feasibility study to convert grass sports fields at Maltby Community Park to synthetic turf and authorize the county executive to execute the agreement.

Mock said the proposed ILA would take effect upon execution and run through Dec. 31, 2026, for a cost not to exceed $385,250 and that the director of Conservation and Natural Resources would be authorized to execute amendments. "The proposed ILA provides financial assistance to the district for a feasibility study to convert grass sports fields to synthetic turf at the park," Mock said.

Committee member Dunn asked staff to bring more information to the public hearing about the type of turf infill planned, citing concerns about crumb rubber. "It looks like Tom might know, but I know that there were concerns around, like, crumb rubber being used. So I'm hoping that's not what it is," Dunn said. Mock confirmed she would provide additional detail for the hearing record.

The committee moved the ordinance to GLS on Feb. 25 to set time and date for a requested public hearing on March 18. The referral does not authorize construction or changes at the park; it authorizes county participation in a feasibility study and schedules public review and comment at the hearing stage.

Next steps: the ordinance will be scheduled at GLS on Feb. 25 to establish the formal public hearing date for March 18, when the public may comment and the committee can consider adopting the ILA or requesting additional changes.