TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Brian Crawford, Municipal Services Director
PREPARED BY: Brian Crawford, Municipal Services Director
SUBJECT:
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Award a Construction Contract for the Synthetic Turf Replacement Project
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RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Amend the Fiscal Year 2025/26 Capital Improvement Plan budget to appropriate $1,197,077.91 for Capital Improvement Project No. 22039;
Approve the use of the Measure T Fund Community Services Department Facility Repair Reserve in the amount of $1,197,077.91;
Award the construction contract for the Los Alamos Hills and Torrey Pines Park Synthetic Turf Replacement Project, Capital Improvement Project 22039, to the lowest responsible bidder, Horizons Construction Company International, Inc., in the amount of $994,850.36, plus a 15% contingency; and
Authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement.
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PRIOR ACTION/VOTE
On June 3, 2025, the City Council approved the Capital Improvement Plan for Fiscal Years 2025/26 to 2029/30 (Vote: 5-0).
CITY COUNCIL GOAL
Coordinate and deliver responsive, effective community services.
DISCUSSION
The City of Murrieta (City)operates several high-use recreational facilities, including the Los Alamos Hills Sports Park (LAHSP) and the Torrey Pines Sports Park (TPSP). These recreational facilities feature modern synthetic turf fields to maximize playability and optimize operational resources. The two synthetic turf fields currently scheduled for replacement are the soccer field at Los Alamos Hills Sports Park and the baseball field at Torrey Pines Sports Park. Both installations have been in continuous use for more than 10 years.
The City initially adopted synthetic turf systems due to their numerous operational and environmental benefits. Compared to natural grass, synthetic fields significantly increase field usability, allowing local youth and community sports leagues greater access to premier facilities. Furthermore, in a climate where water conservation is critical, synthetic turf drastically reduces water consumption by eliminating irrigation needs and lowers long-term operational costs by reducing the need for mowing, fertilizing, and extensive groundskeeping labor.
Despite these advantages, synthetic turf is a capital asset with a finite lifespan. Industry standards and manufacturer warranties typically cite an effective lifespan of eight (8) to 12 years for heavily used sports fields. After this period, the material begins to degrade, compromising both performance and player safety. Degradation manifests through several key indicators: the synthetic fibers become matted, flattened, and brittle due to UV exposure and heavy traffic; infill material compacts, which can lead to inadequate shock absorption and increased surface hardness (GMAX scores), posing potential safety risks to athletes; and drainage capabilities diminish. Given that the Los Alamos and Torrey Pines fields are almost 11 years old, they have surpassed their expected usable life and require replacement to maintain safe, high-quality playing conditions.
The work scope for replacing the LAHSP soccer field turf is straightforward. The contractor will remove the existing turf, regrade the aggregate base, replace perimeter attachment boards, install the new turf, and install the sand and crumb rubber infill.
The scope of work for replacing the synthetic turf baseball field at Torrey Pines is more complex. The outfield area is not being replaced currently since that area is still in serviceable condition and gets the least amount of wear. A recessed concrete home plate area will be constructed to provide more stability, consistency, durability, and safety in the baseball field's highest-wear zone. The home plate area, where the catcher and batter stand, experiences intense, constant pounding and pivoting. Installing the turf over a recessed concrete base prevents the surface from sinking or developing a low spot over time. The thick, dense rubber mats are placed between the synthetic turf and the concrete base. They are crucial for absorbing the impact of players landing and pivoting, providing a consistent, predictable feeling for the players, regardless of weather or usage.
To ensure the most efficient and cost-effective replacement process, staff solicited a proposal utilizing a Job Order Contract (JOC) through the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing program, which the City is a member of (Account 19244). Specifically, this proposal was obtained via Gordian (also known as Gordian Group), an awarded Sourcewell vendor specializing in JOC solutions. The JOC procurement method streamlines maintenance and replacement-in-kind project processes by utilizing pre-established, competitively solicited, and publicly awarded contracts. This approach allows the City to accelerate project delivery, control costs based on standardized unit pricing, and bypass the lengthy process of individual design-bid-build solicitations, thereby minimizing the downtime of these critical community assets.
Through Gordian, the City can select from several contractors who develop a detailed project scope of work and price proposal, which is reviewed and can be adjusted. For this project, the City selected Horizons Construction, which will use FieldTurf as a subcontractor. FieldTurf is a nationally recognized supplier of quality synthetic turf.
Staff recommends the construction contract be awarded to Horizons Construction Company International, Inc., for $994,850.36, plus a fifteen percent (15%) contingency of $149,227.55.
FISCAL IMPACT
The construction contract cost is $994,850.36. Staff further recommends a 15% contingency of $149,227.55. The construction management and labor compliance costs are anticipated to be $38,000. Staff also recommends allocating $15,000 for ancillary items such as signs and testing not included in the contract amount. Including associated soft costs such as design, permits, and related fees, the estimated total project cost for the Soccer and Baseball Fields improvements is $1,197,077.91.
As part of the prior-year Capital Improvement Plan budget development, the City Council approved the creation of CIP 22039. Based on final hard and soft cost estimates, staff recommends the City Council approve the full appropriation of $1,197,077.91 to fully fund the turf field improvements at Los Alamos Hills Sports Park and Torrey Pines Park.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Construction Contract & Proposal, Horizons Construction