City project
El Camino Field Turf Replacement
Replacement of the existing synthetic turf field, with the replacement material to be determined after the City's turf study.
- Current status
- Construction is in progress; reopening is targeted for early November.
- Location
- El Camino Park
September 22, 2026 update
The project mobilized earlier in September after independent PFAS testing found no intentionally added PFAS. The soccer field and part of the parking lot are closed during construction.
Read related coverageJanuary 27, 2026 Council liaison update
The liaison reported that City Council approved replacing the synthetic turf at El Camino Park following the Commission's recommendation.
Read related coverageJanuary 12, 2026 turf-system assessment update
Staff reported that 13 inlet-hat filters and three exterior sock filters had been ordered for installation. The recommended replacement would use natural cork infill, with material testing and manufacturer verification for PFAS, enhanced maintenance, and continued annual GMAX testing.
Read related coverageDecember 16, 2025: Completion and reopening update
Staff reported substantial completion on December 5. The work began in July, was delivered on time and on budget, and cost roughly $3.2 million. The fields reopened immediately for public use; staff reported positive feedback from local clubs.
Read related coverageNovember 25, 2025: Opening targeted after punch-list completion
Staff reported that installation was complete and that remaining work included north-field safety-netting replacement, light-pole pads, and additional signage. Staff anticipated programming, including tournament play, beginning December 6 if punch-list work was signed off.
Read related coverageNovember 17, 2025: Replacement decision continued
Council continued the decision on whether to replace the field with synthetic turf or pursue a natural-grass alternative.
Read related coverageOctober 28, 2025 turf-study recommendation
The consultant estimated converting the field to natural grass would cost $1.5 million to $2 million in construction/project costs, excluding additional maintenance staffing and budget, and would take about 18 months from RFP through turnover. The consultant recommended synthetic-turf resurfacing to preserve demand capacity while allowing time to evaluate natural-grass pilots and mitigation measures.
Read related coverageSeptember 23, 2025 turf-study update
Staff reported that City Council paused the replacement and redirected project funding for the turf study. The study presentation characterized the field as heavily used and supported synthetic-turf replacement if the City proceeds, with consideration of natural infill, reduced-PFAS products, and microplastic-mitigation practices.
Read related coverageAugust 26, 2025: Construction update
Staff established tree-protection buffers of 5 feet along the red-line area and 3 feet along yellow-line areas. Screening was added to fencing because autonomous-vehicle activity interfered with grading lasers; staff clarified that this had not delayed the project.
Read related coverageJune 9, 2025: Construction contract approved
Council approved the FieldTurf USA construction contract, contingency, and related FY 2025 budget amendment as part of the consent calendar.
Read related coverageMarch 25, 2025: Deferred pending turf study
Staff stated that, pursuant to City Council direction, the replacement would not move forward until the turf study is complete.
Read related coverageJanuary 28, 2025 CIP update
Staff said City analysis will consider Santa Clara County research, other cities' work, community input, and comparative usage of synthetic and natural fields before a recommendation goes to City Council.
Read related coverageDecember 18, 2024 field replacement update
Staff said the study would be completed in time for presentations to the Commission and City Council before the FY 2026 budget; summer implementation would depend on the Council-directed field-surface option and project feasibility.
Read related coverage
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