Before the Gavel: Coach Pushes to Preserve Turf Field at Villa Parke Ahead of Council Review

As the City Council prepares to meet Monday to consider its five-year Capital Improvement Program, one coach is weighing in on one specific issue: whether to maintain the turf field at Villa Parke.

“Villa Parke serves a diverse group of families, and many of the kids in our league are not part of expensive club programs with access to private facilities,” said Chris Medina, a coach with the Villa Parke Youth Soccer League. “For them, this field is their only opportunity to play on a high-quality surface like turf. It gives them a sense of pride, confidence, and a more professional playing experience that they might not otherwise have access to. Taking that away would create a gap in opportunity for the very kids who benefit from it most.”

The discussion comes as the city reviews funding priorities for parks and recreation projects, including upgrades and replacements at athletic fields across Pasadena.

Public input could play a role in shaping final priorities in the CIP, which outlines city spending on infrastructure and facilities over the next five years.

Under the CIP, the artificial turf replacement project at Robinson Park and Villa Parke would receive additional funding to fully complete turf replacement at Villa Parke. The upgrades are intended to improve field safety, durability and recreational use.

Medina described the turf field as a “reliable, safe, and inclusive space” that serves a broad cross-section of the community. He emphasized that many children who use the park rely on public spaces like Villa Parke for organized play.

Medina pointed to the field’s heavy use, noting that Villa Parke supports a large number of youth athletes, families and informal community groups. He argued that artificial turf is better suited than natural grass to handle that level of activity without deterioration or closures.

With natural grass, he said, the city could see more frequent field shutdowns due to wear or weather, potentially disrupting programs for working families who depend on consistent schedules.

Safety and maintenance were also cited as key concerns. Medina said the turf provides a more predictable playing surface, while heavily used grass fields can become uneven and increase the risk of injuries.

While natural grass may appear cost-effective initially, it requires ongoing expenses for irrigation, mowing, fertilization, pest control and repairs, Medina wrote. Turf fields, although requiring periodic replacement over time, generally offer more predictable and manageable long-term maintenance for high-use parks.

“The field is constantly in use — not just by organized teams, but by families, pickup games and local groups,” he added. “It’s a vibrant, active space that reflects the spirit of Pasadena. Keeping the turf helps ensure that this level of access and activity continues without interruption.”