HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993-09-20; Parks & Recreation Commission; 993-10; Landscape and Irrigation PracticesPARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION - AGENDA BILL
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DEPT.
TJ^=El LANDSCAPE AND IRRIGATION PRACTICES
(INFO)
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Accept and file staff report, make appropriate comments.
ITEM EXPLANATION:
The Commission has requested an update on current irrigation and landscape
procedures in effect and performed by the Park Maintenance Division. Although the
attached memo relates to Stagecoach Community Park, the irrigation techniques and
landscape practices are similar to those performed at all park sites and facilities. The
principal changes in landscape maintenance procedures are a direct result of water
conservation measures and budgetary constraints which have occurred over the last
several years.
The Park Superintendent will update the Commission regarding this issue.
EXHIBIT:
1. Memo from Park Superintendent
063
September 14, 1993
TO: PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR
FROM: Parks Superintendent
MAINTENANCE CONCERNS AT STAGECOACH PARK
Recently, Parks staff were notified of specific maintenance concerns at Stagecoach Park.
The items which were of concern are: lack of irrigation around the community center and
graffiti problems. Although the following report refers specifically to Stagecoach Park, the
landscape maintenance and irrigation techniques apply, for the most part, to all park sites
and city-maintained facilities.
The irrigation scheduling at Stagecoach Park is closely monitored. Water conservation and
budget constraints have caused the department to keep a close eye on water usage. The
shrub/ground cover areas around the community center and tennis courts have only minimal
water applied. One of the reasons these areas receive .limited water is to help control the
mud, which is tracked into the center and the tennis court area. Another reason is all shrub
areas are maintained with a minimum of irrigation. Non-used turf areas (such as area
between street and parking lot) are also maintained with very limited or no irrigation. The
picnic area irrigation is maintained at a level to support adequate turf growth. The active
athletic turf areas are irrigated to maintain optimal growth yet keep the playing surfaces safe
(only slightly damp). Managing the irrigation on the heavy clay soil at Stagecoach Park takes
daily monitoring.
In addition to the water conservation aspect, the other primary reason irrigation is limited
at Stagecoach is the budgetary concerns. The current water costs for Stagecoach Park alone
averages between $3,500 and $4,500+ per month during the months of May through
October. The water account is the single highest maintenance account in the Parks division
maintenance operations budget. If budget constraints continue, this likely will be where cuts
are made.
The graffiti situation is a relatively new problem facing the Stagecoach maintenance staff.
Ajrea youth have been spray painting various buildings of late. Our department has
contacted the police department and is working to alleviate this problem as is possible. The
anti-graffiti coating on the buildings seems to be wearing off. Staff is exploring the use of
a wax coating similar to the sea wall. This coating (once painted over) can be removed by
high pressure hot water and then re-applied. Aiiother deterrent being considered is
additional security lighting. We feel with continued attention the graffiti will diminish.
These maintenance challenges at Stagecoach Park are typical experiences for the Parks
Maintenance Division.
DOUG DUNCANSON EXHIBIT 1
064