Peoria begins turf reduction program at parks

The city of Peoria has announced a program to reduce the amount of turf at city parks to save on water.

The city announced the Turf Reduction Water Conservation program on Aug. 16 with the goal of immediately starting to pull out turf in 18 city parks to replace it with desert landscaping. The move will not impact playing fields, officials said.

This project is part of water conservation effort, which includes issuing a stage one drought contingency plan in August 2022. For every acre of turf removed, Peoria will save up to 1 million gallons of water annually

The new landscaping will feature native plants that require less water and maintenance than traditional grass. This will result in a significant reduction in water consumption while providing environmental benefits such as reducing air pollution, storm water runoff, and the heat island effect.

The parks that will affected are:

• Apache Park , 8633 W. John Cabot Road, Peoria, AZ 85382
• Braewood Park , 8742 W Mercer Ave, Peoria, AZ 85345
• Calbrisa Park , 8957 W. Tumblewood Drive, Peoria, AZ 85382
• Camino a Lago Park , 21109 N. 98th Avenue, Peoria, AZ 85382
• Desert Amethyst Park , 18095 N. 91st Avenue, Peoria, AZ 85382
• Hayes Park , 9845 N 75th Ave, Peoria, AZ 85345
• Monroe Park , 8820 W Monroe St, Peoria, AZ 85345
• Palo Verde Park , 26200 N. 73rd Drive, Peoria, AZ 85383
• Paseo Verde Park , 7665 W Greenway Rd, Peoria, AZ 85381
• Roundtree Ranch Park , 9142 N 81st Ave, Peoria, AZ 85345
• Sonoran Mountain Ranch Park , 7098 W. Miner Trail, Peoria, AZ 85383
• Sunnyslope Park , 9180 N. 71st Avenue, Peoria, AZ 85345
• Sunrise Park , 20457 N. Fletcher Way, Peoria, AZ 85382
• Sweetwater Park , 7460 W Sweetwater Ave, Peoria, AZ 85381
• Terramar Park , 6900 W. Happy Valley Road, Peoria, AZ 85383
• Varney Park , 11730 N 81st Ave, Peoria, AZ 85345
• Westland Park , 31565 N. Westland Road, Peoria, AZ 85383
• WestWing Park , 27100 N. Westwing Parkway, Peoria, AZ 85383

The process of removing turf is seasonal and can only be done during the summer and fall months when the grass is at its healthiest. Designated turf will be prepared for removal, resulting in brown and dying grass.

During this process, the turf removal area will remain open until crews start to physically remove the grass. Contractors will post signage while on site and spraying the grass. The area is safe to walk on when the product dries. This process may cause temporary inconveniences but will ultimately lead to long-term water conservation efforts.

To learn about this project, please visit www.peoriaaz.gov/turfreduction or call the project information line at 623-670-5800.