SOQUEL (August 19, 2009 by Kurtis Alexander) - Motivated by the ever-increasing squeeze on water supplies, county planners have begun weighing the switch from grass fields to artificial turf.
The Department of Parks, Open Space and Cultural Services is preparing to convert two soccer fields at Anna Jean Cummings Park on Old San Jose Road to synthetic turf, a move that could open the door to changes at as many as a half dozen other county parks. "From this project we can determine if it's a good idea and if it would make sense to implement in other parts of the county," said Park Planner Cristina James.
The county Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved moving ahead with the conversion at Anna Jean Cummings Park, authorizing funds for a consultant to work out the details. Two baseball/softball fields at the park are also being considered for artificial surfaces, though that decision has not been made. Synthetic turf, which comes in many forms, is designed to look and feel like grass without the need for regular upkeep or irrigation.
The roughly $2 million retrofit of soccer fields at Anna Jean Cummings Park will save, on top of fertilizer and maintenance costs, an estimated 5.2 million gallons of water annually, which runs about $18,000 a year. "Pound for pound, they contribute a good amount to the summertime spike in water demand," said Roy Sikes, water conservation specialist with the Soquel Creek Water District.
Like other water districts, the Soquel Creek district, which serves about 45,000 people, has been trying to conserve water supplies as the region faces its third year of below-average rainfall. Already, many fields managed by local cities and schools have moved to artificial turf. Fields at Cabrillo College, Watsonville High, Aptos High, San Lorenzo High and Soquel High as well as Santa Cruz's Depot Park have synthetic playing surfaces. "You're seeing the switch all across the county," said Parks Director Joe Schultz. Players and coaches have noted such benefits as reduced injuries and better drainage, which can facilitate play in foul weather.
A final plan for converting fields at Anna Jean Cummings Park is due out later this year, with approvals and construction expected to be complete by 2011. Schultz says progress on other county parks, which include Pinto Lake near Watsonville, the Polo Grounds in Aptos and several in the San Lorenzo Valley, will depend on funding. Funding for the Anna Jean Cummings Park conversion will come from the county Redevelopment Agency
