Tustin staff report park upgrades, completion of Field 3 and plan to replace stolen bronze seals

Staff told the commission that construction and maintenance work across the city’s parks is progressing and that crews are managing several unexpected issues.

Deputy Director Buescher reported that City Council approved the notice of completion for Tustin Sports Park Ball Field No. 3 and that fences came down in early February; staff accepted the project after final inspections. Buescher said the field “came out really beautiful” and noted the completed work reduces tripping hazards previously noted by commissioners.

On playground work, staff said equipment at Camino Real has been removed and the contractor will install new "pour and play" surfacing; a custom shelter is in plan check and the shelter installation may delay full opening until summer, though staff will rent shade tents for the summer program if necessary.

Director Clanton told commissioners that three of five bronze military branch seals and two additional plaques at Veterans Sports Park were stolen and that staff plan to replace those elements with bronze and consolidate some plaques adjacent to the Veterans Memorial. “We will be replacing those… and we're hoping this is just a one-off,” Clanton said, adding staff expect reinstallation by Memorial Day.

Staff also reported a safety incident at Tustin Sports Park: a swarm of aggressive bees nested near a light pole while staff were performing work, several staff were stung and emergency responders were called; the park was closed for roughly half a day while an exterminator addressed the problem.

Commissioners thanked staff for the updates and asked staff to continue to coordinate on signage and communication around closures and repairs.