Title
Presentation and Possible Acceptance of the Los Alamos County Artificial Turf and Site Improvements Feasibility Study
Recommended Action
I move that Council accept the Los Alamos County Artificial Turf and Site Improvements Feasibility Study.
County Manager's Recommendation
The County Manager recommends that Council approve the motion as presented.
Board, Commission or Committee Recommendation
The Parks and Recreation Board recommends that County Council accept the Los Alamos County Artificial Turf and Site Improvements Feasibility Study.
Body
On October 28, 2025, members of the NV5 consulting team presented the Artificial Turf Feasibility Study to the County Council, providing an overview of the study’s purpose, methodology, and phased cost estimates while clarifying the distinction between base and framework costs. During the presentation, the consultants also answered numerous questions from Council members regarding the study’s findings, assumptions, and potential implications.
In the fall of 2024, the Community Services Department (CSD) contracted with NV5 to evaluate the feasibility of installing synthetic turf at North Mesa Sports Complex and Overlook Park in response to community requests for improved year-round playability and reduced maintenance. The study delivers a comprehensive, data-driven assessment of field suitability, design alternatives, accessibility, sustainability, cost, and regulatory compliance, along with recommendations for lighting, drainage, and amenity improvements. Developed through an extensive public engagement process of public meetings, surveys, and outreach to specific user groups, the study was reviewed by the Environmental Sustainability Board and the Parks and Recreation Board, which recommended it for Council acceptance on October 9, 2025.
During the October 28, 2025, meeting, Council recommended updating the study’s name to better reflect its full scope. Following discussions between NV5 consultants and County staff, the study was renamed “Los Alamos County Artificial Turf and Site Improvements Feasibility Study.”
Council’s acceptance of this study does not authorize design, construction, or funding but acknowledges its value as a guiding document for future planning and decision-making related to the County’s outdated athletic fields. There are no current budget requests nor plans to pursue any recommendations until at least 2028.
.Alternatives
The Council may choose not to accept the Los Alamos County Artificial Turf and Site Improvements Feasibility Study at this time. Instead, Council could request specific changes or edits to the report and ask that a revised version be brought back for consideration at a future meeting.
Fiscal and Staff Impact/Planned Item
Staff will discuss the possible implementation of the phases outlined in the report as recommended and submit a budget request to fund the short- and long-term needs when appropriate.
Attachments
A - LAC Turf Study Presentation-short
B - Los Alamos Turf Study Report_v7
C - Appendix A - Interview Notes
D - Appendix B - Community Meetings Presentation
E - Appendix C - Community Meetings Summary Notes
F - Appendix D - Community Survey Complete Results
G - Appendix E - Framework Plans Feedback Survey
H - Appendix F - Site Assessment Matrix
I - Appendix G - Artificial Turf Testing and Data Resources