Latest news with #AuroraParks
CBS News
5 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
Aurora converts grass in city parks to drought-friendly type
The City of Aurora is making water conservation a priority when it comes to the type of grass the city plants in its parks. Right now, crews are in the process of converting the turf in Aurora parks to a drought-friendly type of grass. The City of Aurora is changing out Kentucky Blue Grass with native grass and Bermuda Grass in city parks. CBS Sunday was the perfect day for a soccer tournament at Aurora's Olympic Park. The pitch was perfect and green, despite the hot weather. "This particular grass is used in NFL stadiums and Major League Baseball stadiums, and collegiate stadiums. So, we see that the playability is there," said Erik Ostlund, the Manager of Park Operations for Aurora Parks Recreation and Open Space. This isn't your typical Kentucky Blue Grass you see on most playing fields around town. It's Bermuda Grass. But Aurora Parks Recreation and Open Space didn't install it for the many games that are played here year-round. This is part of the water-wise program undertaken by the city to save water. They have replaced 11.5 acres of Kentucky Blue Grass with native grass and Bermuda Grass at Olympic Park, and over the last two-and-a-half years, they've converted a total of about 87 acres of turf grass citywide. Ostlund says the move has not only saved more than one million gallons annually of water but also money. Kentucky Blue Grass is being switched out with native grass and Bermuda Grass at Aurora's city parks. CBS "We spend approximately $4 million annually on our water. So, the savings from an expense standpoint, the citizens will recognize that it's a multi-pronged benefit," said Ostlund. That's because Bermuda grass and native grasses are more drought-tolerant and cold-hardy than Kentucky Blue Grass. But for these athletes, the only thing that matters is how the grass plays, and they say they like it. "Yeah, it's better. It's not as thick. The ball moves smoothly," said players on the Solitos soccer team.
CBS News
16-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
Structural issues cause Aurora's first recreation center to close after 55 years
Aurora's first recreation center will be closing at the end of the summer. For 55 years, the Beck Recreation Center in northeast Aurora has given the community a place to learn and play, but due to significant structural issues, the city has decided to shut it down. CBS Brian Green, the director of Aurora Parks, Recreation and Open Space, said it all started in 2024. "We had a gas line that failed, so we were in the process of fixing that. We started looking at other systems in the building, including the pool, and found that there were some leaks in the pool. There were other issues with the mechanical system that runs that pool," said Green. CBS There was also a leak in the roof, which was destroying the concrete and cinder block wall in their gym, and rotten support beams on their deck. When Aurora Parks, Recreation and Open Space received a quote to see how much it would cost to fix these issues, it wasn't good news. "It came to between $31 and $52 million, which is equivalent to the replacement cost of one of these facilities," said Green. Aurora Parks, Recreation and Open Space decided to close the Beck Recreation Center for good. CBS Aaron Sibs has been coming to the Beck Recreation Center since he was a boy. "I learned how to swim here. I learned taekwondo first, like, one lesson here, and then I learned how to play badminton," said Sibs. And he isn't alone. Opened in 1973, it was Aurora's only recreation center until the city renovated the Moorehead Recreation Center in 2017. Aaron said that for how old it is, it was still a great place. Beck Recreation Center "I mean, this is like the only recreation center within, like, 10, 12 miles. And I think it's one of the better ones," said Sibs. Brian Green said deciding to close the center was not easy. "There's so many emotional attachments to this building, to this site," said Green. "It's like you have a sense of loss." But Green said they want to build another one. It won't be on this site because it's too close to Buckley Space Force Base and isn't zoned for new construction, but Green hopes to find a location somewhere nearby. He said in the meantime, memberships will be honored at Aurora's three other rec centers. Aaron said he appreciates the gesture, but it's hardly a consolation. "Yeah, I guess it's good," said Sibs. The pool at Beck Recreation Center is closed now. The gym will close at the end of May, and preschool will stop at this location on July 31. The doors will close for good on August 1st. Those who want to have input about the future center or any projects the city has planned can go to their website and take the infrastructure task force community survey.
