Park Opening Rests on Turf Problems

The eagerly awaited opening of the city’s new 7.7-acre Plaza Park depends on the grass, and how fast it grows.

City officials say the park, on Warner Avenue and Paseo Westpark, is near completion, except for the grass playing field.

The contractor planted Bermuda grass, a wear-resistant turf required by the city, but it was planted after the growing season.

City officials fear that if they accept the park from the contractor and the grass does not grow, the city would be liable for the cost of replanting.

“It all depends on the weather,” said Pat Fierro, manager of community services for the city. “And I wouldn’t begin to predict California weather.”

Some residents would like the city to work out a deal with the contractor to open the completed portion of the park while keeping the playing field fenced off.

Families in the Paseo Westpark development want to use the park’s completed picnic and playground areas.

“The residents are looking forward to it,” said Charles Dill, a Paseo Westpark Homeowners Assn. board member. “It’s the ball field area that’s causing the problems. To the best of my knowledge, the contractor anticipates opening the park in April.”

If the weather does not cooperate, city officials say, the grass might not be ready until summer.

In the past, the city has accepted the partial completion of a park, Fierro said. “The developer or contractor has to be willing to agree to that kind of arrangement, as well as the city,” she said.

Meanwhile, city inspectors plan to do a walk-through of the park this week.

“It’s close to completion, except for the grass on the ball fields,” Fierro said. “The grass is nonexistent.”