Residents upset after rocks replace grass at local park
A Capital Improvement Project started in September is facing pushback from residents after rock landscaping replaced grass at Adams Park in La Quinta.
Residents expressed concerns online and at the park Friday, sounding off safety concerns for young kids who play at the park.
“The families I talked to are concerned that the rocks are less safe than what the grass was, that it’s not as inviting to go down the slope with the rocks on it to go play on it with the kids…whether it be with a soccer ball, football, whatever it is, it just isn’t as welcoming as it was when it was all the grass,” said longtime resident of La Quinta Leslie Whitehead at the park on Friday.
However, the city says the area now filled with landscape granite rocks is intended as the field basin’s retaining walls — not a common area intended for kids to play.
The Measure G funded project was expected to be completed by December 6, but the city says colder temperatures stunted turf growth. The park is expected to fully reopen on January 22.
Regarding the delays, construction manager for the City of La Quinta Leonard St. Sauver said in a statement:
The 90 day project completion date was 12/6/18 but only to have the project completed, it did not require the grass or turf be fully established or final mowed by 12/6/18. The contractor is responsible for the grass/turf and did not want to open it as there are several areas that are not fully established or still tender. The colder temperatures may be a factor.
Although the turf establishment is almost complete, there are still areas that may be damaged if it is opened to public use. Opening it too soon, or without the contractor’s permission may result in a “void of warranty” issue or claim.
We agreed that if the basin can be opened sooner, it will be opened (we will monitor it closely).
