The City of Carlsbad will begin work to install new synthetic turf on the large multi-purpose athletic field at Poinsettia Community Park on Monday, Jan. 12. The project is expected to take about two months, weather permitting.

This work will improve field playing conditions and help extend the life of this heavily used athletic field.

What to expect during construction

• The athletic field will be closed to all use from Jan. 12 through mid-March.
• The field will not be available for sports, practices or informal use during construction.
• Parking spaces on the west and north sides of the parking lot will be closed during construction for equipment and material staging.
• The pedestrian walking path on the north side of the field will be closed during the construction period.
• The arena soccer field will remain accessible via the south pedestrian path (see diagram below).

Construction timeline

• Construction start: Monday, Jan. 12
• Estimated duration: About two months
• Anticipated completion: Mid-March, weather permitting

Work schedule

• Monday - Friday, except city holidays
• 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

The project is scheduled during winter to help minimize conflicts with peak field use and ensure the field is ready for higher use in spring and summer. Rain or other unforeseen conditions may result in delays to the project. We will share updates if the schedule changes. Thank you for your patience as we work to make these improvements.

Project background
The Poinsettia Community Park athletic field was originally converted from natural grass to synthetic turf in 2004 and that synthetic turf was replaced in 2015. After years of heavy use, the existing turf is nearing the end of its useful life.

On Oct. 7, 2025, the Carlsbad City Council approved the project plans and authorized the city to advertise the project for public bids. On Nov. 18, 2025, the City Council approved the construction contract, allowing the project to move forward.

The project includes removing and recycling the existing turf materials, preparing the subsurface and installing new synthetic turf designed to improve durability, reduce maintenance needs and support year-round use.

About the replacement surface
The field will be replaced with a latest generation synthetic turf system designed to reduce health and environmental concerns raised about certain synthetic turf products.

The replacement turf:

• Is made without added PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), a type of “forever chemical” often used in manufacturing
• Does not use crumb rubber pellets as infill between the turf blades
• Is installed with a mineral base in turf that helps the surface stay cooler than a sand base
• Comes with longer warranties than other turf systems: 12 years for the turf itself and 25 years for the padding underneath the turf
• Includes a recycling program to keep the old turf and infill out of landfills

More information about the replacement surface is included in the Oct. 7 City Council staff report.

Questions?
For questions about the project or construction impacts, please contact:

Parks Maintenance
442-339-2824
parksmaintenance@carlsbadca.gov