City Council Sends Turf Item Back to Municipal Services Committee as Field Replacement Plan Advances

A proposal to replace aging athletic fields at two Pasadena parks will go back to the Municipal Services Committee (MSC) for further discussion on new technology.

The City Council on Monday moved forward with funding for the renovation of fields at Villa Park and Robinson Park, while stopping short of deciding whether to install artificial turf or natural grass.

City staff said the two projects carry an estimated combined cost of about $2.95 million, including roughly $1.125 million tied to the Villa Park field.

Mayor Victor Gordo said the council’s action was limited to advancing the projects, not selecting a final surface.

“We’re essentially seeding the renovation of fields, but we’re not making the determination one way or the other,” Gordo said.

The issue has drawn increasing attention from youth sports groups, labor representatives and residents, reflecting broader debates over the benefits and drawbacks of synthetic turf.

Councilmember Justin Jones, who participated remotely in the meeting, has been engaged with stakeholders on the issue, including local youth sports coaches who have raised concerns about field conditions and access.

While Jones did not weigh in extensively during the council discussion, officials acknowledged that input from coaches and field users will be part of the ongoing review as the issue moves forward.

During public comment, a representative of a labor union involved in turf installation urged the city to expand the discussion and include industry voices if broader policy changes are considered.

“There seems to be a little bit of a hint at a discussion about a potential ban or a moratorium,” the speaker said, calling for a more comprehensive review.

City officials indicated the matter will return for further analysis at the committee level, where questions about durability, cost, environmental impacts and evolving turf technology are expected to be examined in more detail.

Written correspondence submitted ahead of the meeting reflected a divided public response. City staff reported receiving letters both supporting artificial turf — including at Villa Park — and opposing its use in city parks.

“Returning to natural grass is a one-time expense,” wrote Laura Flemming in correspondence to the City Council. “Artificial turf must be replaced every eight years. Geo infill, although less toxic than tire rubber infill, is 25% more expensive, adding to the City’s budget woes. Changing out the fields will mean that there is downtime for either surface. And yes, sod may require another three to four weeks to set before soccer or other hard play can commence, but it is an investment in time that provides health benefits to our youth and adult athletes.”