Synthetic Turf and Natural Grass Turf Study at El Camino Park

Following City Council action, the project is advancing into implementation and evaluation phases.

El Camino Park Synthetic Turf Replacement

Staff will proceed with design, procurement, and construction activities for the El Camino Park synthetic turf replacement, consistent with City Council direction and subject to future budget appropriations.

Natural Grass Pilot Project

Staff will develop and advance a natural grass pilot project to evaluate enhanced maintenance practices, playability, durability, and operational considerations. More coming soon.

Future City Council Actions

Staff will return to City Council as needed for:

• Budget appropriations related to turf replacement and pilot implementation
• Updates on the natural grass pilot
• Any recommended future actions related to synthetic or natural grass athletic fields, including Cubberley

A Capital Improvement Project (PG-24000) for the replacement of the El Camino Park synthetic turf field was included in the FY 2024 Adopted Capital Budget. During the Finance Committee meeting on May 21, 2024, the City Council directed staff to conduct additional analysis before proceeding with replacement. The Turf Study was approved by the City Council on April 21, 2025, and incorporated into the FY 2025 budget. The project scope, finalized with Lloyd Consulting Group, LLC. for a total of $139,613, includes the evaluation of various turf options (natural, synthetic, and hybrid) as well as infill materials, field profiles, drainage systems, emerging products, and life cycle impacts.

While the replacement of the El Camino Park field is on hold pending the study’s findings, the Stanford-Palo Alto (Mayfield) field replacement project (PG-26000) was approved at June 09, 2025 City Council Meeting.

 April 21 2025 Turf Study Staff Report and Meeting Materials(PDF, 7MB)

Finance Committee Discussion 2024

• June 2025: Project Launch
• July 2025: Focus Groups with Park and Recreation Commission Ad Hoc, Field Users, and Sierra Club
• August 13 2025: Draft Report released
• August 13 - September 3, 2025: Community Engagement Comment Period on Draft Report (Now Closed)
• August 26, 2025: Parks & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting (Item Continued to September 23 Meeting)
• September 23, 2025: Parks & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting
• October 28, 2025: Parks & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting
• November 17, 2025: Report and Presentation to City Council
• January 12, 2026: Report and Presentation to City Council

The Community Services Department oversees the management of both natural and synthetic athletic fields including El Camino Park, the Stanford-Palo Alto Community Playing Fields (Mayfield), and the fields at Cubberley Community Center. The synthetic turf field at El Camino Park is at or near the end of its useful life and requires replacement. The City maintains synthetic turf fields at three locations: Stanford Palo Alto Playing Fields (Mayfield), El Camino Park, and Cubberley Community Center. None of these locations are owned by the City; Stanford Palo Alto Playing fields and El Camino fields are on Stanford land, and Cubberley is on Palo Alto Unified School District land.

• Stanford Palo Alto Playing Fields (Mayfield)
•  El Camino Park
• Cubberley Synthetic Turf Field - Cubberley has one synthetic turf soccer field