When athletes play sports at the Beach Chalet Athletic Fields along the Golden Gate Park, in San Francisco, CA, their day ends when the sun goes down. However, a new proposed renovation might change that.
The current facility features four grass fields; but the San Francisco Chronicle reported that a public-private partnership is proposing to replace the natural grass fields with artificial grass. One of the main reasons for the proposal, according to the article, is the poor conditions of the fields. The facility was built more than 75 years ago, and was last renovated more than 13 years ago.
Another reason for the proposal is to extend playing time for the athletes. Today, the fields are closed Mondays, after sundown, and up to four months a year to allow for maintenance and the grass to grow. However, fake lawn grass would make it possible for the facility to be open year-round until 10 p.m., accounting for an additional 9,600 hours.
Artificial grass prices are becoming more affordable for athletic field renovations. If passed by the city, the money for the project would come from a $185 million bond to renovate city parks and playgrounds, and the entire construction would take two months shy of a year.
