The Auburn City Council recently gave the go-ahead to a project that would put new turf on the principal ballfield at Brannan Park.
Auburn’s parks department is often forced to cancel baseball games and shut down the field when it rains, a problem in such a rainy area. However, Daryl Faber, the director of Auburn’s Parks, Arts and Recreation Department, says putting synthetic turf down will bring more people out, particularly during the wetter months.
The council members gave Coast to Coat Turf the approval to install turf, a project estimated at $611,268. The company will buy and install about 33,150 square feet of material including AstroTurf and synthetic turf. They will also improve drainage and handle the base work. Flyer printing is a great way for officials to get the word out about improvements like this.
The field, which is the park’s main playing field, is approximately 130 feet long. The improvements will make the area much more welcoming for T-ball players and Little Leaguers, as well as adults. Funding is coming from both the state and county, with $75,000 coming from King County, and the State of Washington Recreation Conservation Office contributing a $218,100 grant. The city will make up the difference by using impact fees from the park.
Faber said people are as interested in the field as they’ve ever been, so the improvements are to benefit everyone, not increase the number of people using the park.