CP field construction plan Image courtesy Callander Associates, San Mateo

At the February 16th meeting of the Moraga Town Council, Public Works Director and Town Engineer Jill Mercurio presented the drawings of what the Camino Pablo Elementary School sports field will look like after it is rehabilitated using the Town's Measure WW funds this coming summer. The project is on track, with the approval of the other major stakeholder, the Moraga School District (MSD). One element is still undecided: what type of turf should be used?

The question of the grass is not a minor issue. The school district will be in charge of both the watering and the maintenance of the field. Mark Slichter, of Callander Associates who designed the field, said that the right decision is "a balance between durability and maintenance."

"Bermuda grass was initially recommended. It is more tolerant than many other grasses - relative to rain/sun and heavy foot traffic," said Moraga School District Superintendent Bruce Burns, "However, Bermuda grass may require use of a spray pesticide and a pre-emergent. Both add costs and the MSD no longer uses pesticides. Also, Bermuda grass may require more frequent mowing during spring/summer months. Our gardening staff was reduced by one full time employee last year. CP's field is currently mowed once a week and Bermuda grass may require mowing twice a week, depending on the season. The issue with Bermuda grass is cost. So, we are in the process of researching other grass options."

Some of the other options mentioned by Slichter included Blue/Rye mix or Tall Fescue mix. "The decision on this question needs to be made by the School District," indicated Council Member Mike Metcalf.

User groups were also involved in the design of the new field. The restoration will include new drainage, a youth under-10 soccer field, two baseball fields, a walking path and bleachers to improve the users' experience.