Coral Springs city commission considers raising budget by 1.3 million dollars for turf and track upgrades at Mullins and Cypress parks
Coral Springs, Florida – The Coral Springs City Commission is considering a major budget adjustment that would expand funding for upgrades to local athletic facilities, potentially raising the cost of artificial turf and track improvements to $2.75 million. The proposal, submitted by Parks and Recreation Director Robert Hunter, represents nearly a 90% increase to the existing contract with Georgia-based AstroTurf Corp. and aims to modernize two of the city’s busiest parks.
The commission is expected to review and vote on the proposal at its upcoming meeting on Wednesday. Currently, the agreement for the installation and materials at Mullins Park and Cypress Park is capped at roughly $1.45 million. If approved, the funding increase would allow the city to complete necessary improvements to fields and tracks that have suffered from heavy wear and tear over the years.
Mullins Park has long served as a central hub for youth athletics, drawing large crowds for football, soccer, and other sporting events. Cypress Park, while smaller, experiences similar demand, with natural grass fields often becoming depleted or unplayable following heavy rainfall. City officials emphasized that the expanded budget is intended to ensure consistent, safe playing surfaces for residents of all ages.
Under the terms of the proposed amendment, the city would take advantage of cooperative pricing from Sourcewell, a national procurement group. This arrangement allows local governments to bypass the traditional bidding process by utilizing pre-negotiated contracts, streamlining the procurement process while ensuring competitive pricing.
“If approved, this move will also authorize a one-year contract renewal, extending the partnership with AstroTurf from May 2026 through May 2027,” Hunter said. The renewal maintains the new $2.75 million annual spending limit, allowing for continuous maintenance and improvements over the next year.
The amendment also provides the city’s purchasing manager with the authority to approve future change orders, provided they remain within the designated procurement limits. Officials explained that this administrative flexibility is essential to prevent construction delays as crews work across multiple football fields, track facilities, and supporting amenities.
City leaders noted that these improvements are part of a broader effort to maintain Coral Springs’ reputation as a community that prioritizes high-quality recreational spaces. By investing in durable artificial turf and upgraded tracks, the city hopes to reduce maintenance costs, minimize downtime caused by weather, and provide a safe environment for local athletes.
“This project addresses the wear and tear our parks have faced after years of heavy use,” Hunter added. “Our goal is to make sure residents have reliable, safe, and enjoyable facilities for years to come.”
If the city commission approves the expanded funding, the additional $1.3 million will be drawn from the city’s existing capital improvement funds, reflecting a commitment to long-term investment in public recreation infrastructure. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to attend the meeting or follow commission updates as discussions continue, highlighting the importance of transparency in municipal decision-making.
As Coral Springs continues to grow and recreational programs attract increasing numbers of participants, the timing of the proposed budget increase underscores the city’s focus on providing top-tier athletic facilities while addressing both current needs and future demands.
