Village Green Closure

As part of the re-sodding project for the Village Green, we are launching a Q&A page to provide transparent, factual updates and information about the project and its long-term goals for the Village Green.  The project is focused on critical infrastructure and maintenance improvements designed to address longstanding irrigation issues, improve turf establishment and durability, reduce future disturbance to the Green, and preserve and enhance one of the Town’s most utilized public spaces for residents, events, tourism, and hospitality activities.

To accommodate this work, the Village Green will be temporarily closed from July 1 through July 24.

Throughout the project, this Q&A series will serve as a resource for updates, project details, and answers to commonly asked questions as work progresses.

1. What problems with the current grass condition led to this decision?
   The Green has experienced ongoing issues including bare spots, inconsistent grass establishment, patchwork appearance, and irrigation limitations that prevented long-term healthy turf growth.
2. Was repairing portions of the grass considered instead of replacing the entire area?
   Yes. Partial repairs were initially considered and attempted, however additional issues continued to surface including a non-functioning irrigation controller, damaged wiring, inconsistent irrigation coverage, and years of piecemeal repairs using mixed commercial and non-commercial components. Patch repairs would have continued producing inconsistent results and appearance.
3. Why can the Green not simply be seeded like in the past? Why are you sodding?
   The Town previously attempted topdressing and overseeding efforts; however, establishing new grass on a heavily utilized public space proved difficult due to ongoing foot traffic and activity before the grass could properly establish. Sod provides immediate ground coverage, stronger establishment, improved erosion control, and better durability for a heavily used public space. Due to the amount of pedestrian traffic, events, and daily activity on the Green, sod provides a more reliable and uniform long-term solution than traditional seeding.
4. Who made the decision to move forward with the project?
   The project was developed through coordination between Town staff, administration, and Council as part of ongoing efforts to improve and maintain the Village Green.
5. Why is this project being done now instead of another time of year?
   The selected timeframe provides favorable growing conditions for Bermuda Sod establishment while also allowing the Town to complete the work prior to several upcoming community events and projects.
6. What type of sod was selected and why?
   Tahoma 31 Bermuda was selected due to its durability, drought tolerance, ability to withstand high traffic, shade tolerance, and overall appearance. The goal was to select a turf variety capable of handling the Green’s heavy public use while also improving long-term maintenance efficiency.
7. Will there be damage to tree roots during the process?
   Care was taken to minimize impacts to trees throughout the irrigation installation process. The Town has reviewed concerns raised regarding root impacts and will continue monitoring affected trees moving forward. Additional mitigation measures including expanded mulch rings and continued observation are also being implemented.
8. Will herbicides or chemicals be used on the grass that could impact groundwater?
   An amendment and care plan will be implemented by a professional contractor to ensure fertilizers and treatments are applied appropriately and responsibly throughout the establishment process.
9. What hours will construction occur and what areas will be closed?
   Construction activities will generally occur during normal daytime working hours. Sidewalks throughout the Green are expected to remain accessible, however portions of the turf areas may be temporarily fenced or restricted during installation and establishment.
10. Will accessibility to pathways, benches, swings, or downtown businesses be impacted?
    The Town intends to maintain accessibility to sidewalks, benches, swings, and surrounding downtown businesses throughout the project as much as possible.
11. How long will it take before the Green can be regularly used again?
    Approximately four weeks is recommended for proper sod establishment. The Town is currently requesting no foot traffic on newly sodded areas until July 25, followed by an additional period of caution while the turf continues strengthening and rooting.
12. How will residents know when the Green is ready for normal use again?
    The Town will provide updates through signage, social media, and other communication platforms as the establishment process progresses.
13. Will pets be restricted from the area during establishment?
    Residents are encouraged to keep pets off newly sodded areas during the establishment period to help protect the turf and allow proper rooting.
14. How will weather affect the project schedule?
    Weather conditions may impact installation timelines or irrigation schedules. The Town and contractor will continue adjusting operations as needed to ensure successful establishment.
15. Will the Green need to be re-sodded again in the future?
    Like any heavily used public space, periodic maintenance and repairs will always be necessary over time. The goal of this project is to install a durable irrigation and turf system capable of providing long-term sustainability and improved maintenance efficiency.
16. What happens if portions of the sod struggle or fail after installation?
    The Green will be closely monitored throughout the establishment process. Any areas showing signs of distress or failure will be addressed promptly through additional maintenance or remediation efforts as necessary.
17. Are additional improvements being considered while this work is underway?
    Yes. As part of the project, additional underground wiring infrastructure was installed for proposed future uplighting improvements around the Green. Completing this work now helps avoid additional trenching or disturbance to the newly established sod later.
18. Is there a master plan for the Village Green? The current improvements are part of an ongoing effort to improve the long-term functionality, appearance, irrigation, and durability of the Village Green while preserving the character of the space. Improvements are being coordinated through Town staff, administration, contractors, and project planning discussions. Additional future enhancements may continue to be evaluated as operational needs, funding opportunities, and community priorities evolve.

19. What happened to the Little Free Library?The Little Free Library was temporarily removed during ongoing improvement activities within the Green and will be reinstalled following completion of the project. Due to long-term exposure to weather and the elements, the Town may evaluate replacement options or a more durable long-term structure in the future as part of ongoing improvements and maintenance efforts.

20.  When will the sprinkler system become operational, and during what hours will it run? The irrigation system is expected to become operational following final installation, testing, and programming. Irrigation schedules will primarily operate during overnight or early morning hours to maximize efficiency, reduce evaporation, and minimize public disruption

21. What type of fertilizer will be applied, and is it safe for pets such as dogs? Any fertilizer or treatment products utilized as part of the turf establishment process will be commercially approved landscape or turf products applied by qualified contractors in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and industry standards. Products selected for use are intended for public landscape applications; however, residents are encouraged to follow any temporary posted guidance and avoid newly treated areas immediately following application until watering and absorption have occurred.

    Do you have a question not addressed above?

Email Jay Lockaby at jayl@townofpendleton.org or call 864-646-9409 for more information on the project.

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