Field Closures

Summer Renovations



The City performs annual summer turf renovations on the sports fields from June to August (usually from June 1 – August 19) . The reason for the annual turf renewal is to perform seeding, aeration, fertilization, sod removal and replacement, irrigation repairs and improvements, to prepare the fields for the upcoming recreational soccer and baseball seasons. Fencing and signage are installed on the fields to notify the public that the fields are closed for renovation. During the renovation period, no play of any kind is allowed on the fields in order to allow new grass to grow and the sod to become established.

Similar to most other cities, Lake Forest uses a special grass called Bermuda for its sports fields. Bermuda not only thrives in hot/sunny climates but is durable, and weed and disease resistant. When properly maintained it provides a consistent and smooth surface for athletic fields.

During the 10 week summer turf renovation period, the City will take about 2-4 weeks to complete all the work on the fields, then the fields need about 6-8 weeks to grow and establish. It is critical that the fields be given sufficient time to grow so they can withstand the intense use, especially on the soccer fields. The work cannot start sooner than the June timeframe due to the needs of the leagues and the weather conditions. The fields must be open for play in mid-August to coincide with the start of fall recreational seasons.

On occasion, the City has been asked to look into the possibility of staggering the field renovations in order to have at least one soccer field and one baseball field open at all times. Unfortunately, there is not sufficient time to allow for back-to-back renovation periods of 8+ weeks, meet the schedules/needs of the leagues, and to allow for sufficient turf establishment in the ideal growing conditions. Even with the 8-10 week timeframe and ideal growing conditions, there are turf areas on most of the soccer and baseball fields that will be completely worn away before the next renovation cycle. This suggests that an even longer growing period would be beneficial.

One of the reasons the City installed synthetic turf soccer fields at the Lake Forest Sports Park is to provide year round soccer play while still allowing for the necessary natural turf field renovations. Therefore, there are opportunities for major sports to play through the summer renovations.

Summer Renovations - Athletic Field Closure Schedule

Parks Soccer Field Dates Closed
Soccer Field
 Baseball Field Dates Closed
Baseball Field
Baker Ranch Community Park June 1 - August 19
No
 July 1 - August 19
Yes
Borrego Park June 1 - August 19
Yes
 July 1 - August 19
No
Foothill Ranch Community Park June 1 - August 19
Yes
 July 1 - August 19
Yes
Heroes Park June 1 - August 19
Yes
 July 1 - August 19
Yes
*Lake Forest Sports Park


 June 1 - August 19
Natural Turf 
& Common Areas
 July 1 - August 19
August 1 - Sept. 16
Fields 4 & 5
Fields 1,2 & 3
Rancho Serrano Park June 1 - August 19
Yes
 July 1 - Sept. 16
No
Regency Park June 1 - August 19
Yes
 July 1 - Sept. 16
No
Rimgate Park June 1 - August 19
Yes
 July 1 - Sept. 16
No
Tamarisk Park June 1 - August 19           No July 1 - August 19       Yes

Fall/Winter Renovations

Starting mid-December, all sports fields will temporarily be unavailable for all organized sport activities and leagues through mid-January. Parks will remain open for informal plan and activities. For questions regarding the renovation process, please contact Public Works at (949) 461-3480. These renovations are applicable to the following sports parks:

  • Baker Ranch Community Park
  • Borrego Park
  • Foothill Ranch Community Park
  • Heroes Park
  • Lake Forest Sports Park
  • Rancho Serrano Park
  • Regency Park
  • Rimgate Park
  • Tamarisk Park
 

Fall/Winter Renovation Process



Typically the ground temperature begins to drop to approximately 50 degrees at, or near the end of September. At that time, Bermuda grass stops growing and goes dormant. If no other turf operations are performed, the areas with only dormant Bermuda will begin to turn brown. In order to keep the turf areas strong and green during the non-summer months, the City performs the annual fall renovation.

The annual fall turf renovation (winter rye seeding) procedure occurs at or near the beginning of September. Landscape crews gradually cut the turf shorter each week. Once a desirable height is achieved, dethatching and final lowering of the turf will be done. The annual rye seeding and fertilization process will follow with short cycles of irrigation for approximately three to four weeks during the day and night. The winter rye seeding process keeps the City’s parks green during the colder winter months. The rye seed grows during the colder days and begins dying during the spring – early summer days, at which time the Bermuda grasses begin to come out of dormancy. This annual process is necessary in order to maintain the beauty and health of the turf at our Parks.
*Natural Turf closed for turf renovations. Synthetic Turf fields are open.
Yes denotes the respective field(s) that are closed while the remaining areas of the park are open. 
Parks Open Year-round

All neighborhood parks are open year-round for informal play:

  1. Alton Park (18992 Alton Parkway)
  2. Borrego Overlook Park (21 Viaggio Lane)
  3. Cavanaugh Mini Park (23782 Cavanaugh Road)
  4. Cherry Park (22651 Cherry Avenue)
  5. Concourse Park (18931 Saddleback Ranch Road)
  6. Darrin Park (22461 Cherry Avenue)
  7. El Toro Park (23701 Los Alisos Boulevard)
  8. Lake Forest Park (24000 Serrano Road)
  9. Montbury Park (21962 Montbury Drive)
  10. Mountain View Park (24061 Dylan Street)
  11. Peachwood Park (21132 Peachwood)
  12. Pebble Creek Park (26441 Pebble Creek Road)
  13. Pittsford Park (21701 Pittsford Drive)
  14. Ranchwood Park (22500 Killy Street)
  15. Sundowner Park (22041 Sundowners Lane)
  16. Vintage Park (21000 Vintage Park)