Fernley accepts donated playground for CRRC amid debate over artificial turf

The Fernley City Council voted 4–0 on July 2 to accept playground equipment, a shade structure, picnic tables, benches and artificial turf offered by the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows for the Community Response and Resource Center (CRRC).

Deputy City Manager Lydia Altek told the council the donation includes equipment, a 20‑by‑20 shade structure and artificial turf; the city would pay for related site work, concrete pads and grading. Altek said a change order to remove previously planned landscaping and install the playground area would be about $72,093, and staff expects the net cost of the added site work to be within that credit. "We thought we were paying for it," Altek said of the turf decision, adding she would provide additional details to council.

The donation cleared the council after questions about long‑term maintenance and safety. Councilwoman Felicity Zaberski asked whether the metal flower sculptures and other art would create liability risks and whether the city needed insurance for installed pieces; Altek said the sign structure and planters are raised and will be surrounded by boulders. Counsel and staff also discussed turf composition; Altek said newer turf products use cooling features and different infill (cork rather than crumb rubber) and that proper base and drainage extend turf life. "We have the ability to lease it," Altek said when asked about adjacent railroad parcels and parking.

During public comment, business owner Debbie Skinner urged the council to reconsider turf for safety and liability reasons and suggested a softer foam material used at other local stadiums. "The artificial turf is extremely hot," Skinner said, asking the council to "reconsider something of that foam and not do the artificial turf." Residents and council members also raised concerns about turf heat for children and event use; Councilmember Albert Torres asked who bore responsibility for the design and the $72,000 change.

Councilmember Torres moved to accept the donation; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote with a 4–0 tally. After the vote, staff said the playground will be available for public use outside of Boys & Girls Club hours and at events, and officials discussed scheduling a grand opening for the CRRC campus in August.

The council also discussed future fundraising (donor pavers) for later phases of the Main Street Art Park and additional shading options for the playground. Staff signaled they will follow up with more details on turf materials, cooling/infill options and the precise breakdown of change‑order credits and site costs.