Pleasanton Parks and Recreation Master Plan

P a g e | 9 A P P E N D I X B Recommendations  Future use of all-weather/synthetic fields should be handled in the budgetary process as a fixed asset with the “carpet” fully depreciated over the anticipated life of the product. With high levels of scheduled play and difficulty in managing unscheduled play, synthetic fields would eliminate field closures and extend play opportunities. All-weather fields typically cost more than regular grass fields but they achieve payback against the costs as a result of increased field usage and reduced maintenance costs, thus showing a good return on investment. A typical synthetic field will have a life of 10-12 years.  If the City determines a move in this direction, the budget should fully depreciate the cost of replacement over a 10 year period. The dollars saved on maintenance could be used to partially offset the cost of depreciation of the fields.  All weather synthetic turf fields can support substantially more play than grass fields. Further, synthetic fields can easily be lined for several different sports, thus helping to meet the needs of new emerging sports such as lacrosse. When a system considers the cost of land and the cost of sports fields they should consider all weather synthetic fields as an alternative and do a cost benefit analysis on the options in order to determine the best alternative for them to follow.  Sports field design standards should be developed. Development and use of these design standards and guidelines needs to be put in place for future development to limit maintenance costs especially when sports fields double as a drainage basins. Standards to consider are traffic and pedestrian circulation, parking, athletic use areas, restroom/concession location and design.  Annually test soil to assess nutrient deficiencies, following with an application of appropriate fertilizer and/or soil additives to promote healthily root growth.  Monitor soil moisture conditions and irrigate turf areas to provide adequate moisture for healthy growth while maintaining a playable surface that is not muddy, spongy or over saturated. This will help to prevent tearing and uprooting of the turf and topsoil under normal playing conditions.  Establish policies appropriate for the installation and management of synthetic playing fields including: o Synthetic fields should be installed only at facilities which also have lights for night-time play. o A policy that states synthetic fields will be open for play except under extreme weather conditions.  Lighting systems should be inspected on a regular basis for proper alignment and functioning to avoid dark spots at night that could be hazardous to players and light spill to surrounding neighborhood.