As the City Council may recall, improvements to Sims Park were completed in 2016. Included in the improvements was the rehabilitation of the existing bandshell, the construction of canopy shelters around the circle area facing the bandshell, drainage improvements, and sod replacement. Since the grand opening of the park in 2016, special events held in the park continue to grow in size and frequency. Major events such as Chasco Fiesta, Christmas Street and boat parade, annual fireworks, Bike Fest, and movies in the park have contributed to the decline and the need for annual partial replacement of the sod in the grass area facing the bandshell. Typically, the city has budgeted $25,000 annually for sod replacement and grass seed for this area as well as other areas in the park that are utilized on a consistent basis.
As staff reviewed options for surface improvements in this area of the park, it was determined artificial turf is a viable option in place of replacing sod and seeding of areas. With the high pedestrian traffic volumes and constant shade conditions, bare areas are a constant problem. Artificial turf eliminates this issue, reduces cost in the long term, and presents a green surface that is unaffected by the weather extremes over the life of the product. In addition, this product comes with an 8-year warranty and 15–20-year life expectancy making the city’s return on investment favorable.