Lion’s Field, located at 1440 N Brea Blvd, will replace its aging synthetic turf originally installed in 2012. After a decade of use and numerous repairs, the turf has surpassed its recommended lifespan, particularly in high-traffic areas like the batter’s box and pitching mounds. The city has allocated $2 million for the project, funded through capital improvement and pipeline fee sources.

The KYA Group submitted the most competitive bid among three vendors evaluated under California Multiple Award Schedules (CMAS). The project will involve the removal of approximately 216,000 square feet of old turf and the installation of advanced synthetic turf with durable dual fiber blades and an organic-based fill to minimize heat and environmental impact. The new design will feature permanent inlaid striping for various sports, eliminating the need for temporary paint.
City officials are focusing on quality assessments, informed by site visits to other parks. KYA Group’s previous success at Pico Rivera Smith Park strengthens their proposal, given their extensive experience with football field projects.

The new turf design will include temporary bases for stability at pitching mounds, avoiding permanent in-ground sleeves that could damage the surface. User feedback has highlighted the need for four dedicated softball fields and a fifth field for 6U teams, aiming to optimize scheduling and reduce conflicts during games.

The redesign also plans to incorporate a cohesive watermark down the center of the field and various innovative cooling technologies, with proposals from KYA and Shaw Sports Turf under consideration. KYA’s Tencate product features temperature-regulating GeoCool infill, while Shaw’s Game On Technology 2.0 is noted for its cooling capabilities.
Additional upgrades include replacing vandalized wooden dugout benches, enhancing field goal posts, and installing modern, Wi-Fi-enabled scoreboards to improve user experience.

The Lions Conference Room at the Fullerton Community Center is also set for updates, including a shade structure over the bleachers at the football field to address heat concerns during events. This will streamline the purchasing process through a cooperative agreement.

Lastly, the project will replace existing wooden dugouts with new ones for designated seating, alleviate crowding, and enhance safety with technology-driven field goal post installations.

These upgrades aim to enhance Lion’s Field as a vital space for community sports and recreational activities.