Turf at Costa Mesa’s Bark Park to get a new leash on life

Costa Mesa dog lovers may see some changes at the city’s Bark Park play area, as city officials announced this week some 8,000 square feet of turf is being renovated at the 2-acre area off Arlington Drive near TeWinkle Park.

The maintenance work began Wednesday, as crews closed the small dog area of the park and sectioned off a portion of the large dog park to accommodate smaller pooches for the duration of the project, officials reported Friday. The partial closure is anticipated to last from four to six weeks.

The turf at Costa Mesa’s Bark Park, seen in January 2020, is being renovated and replaced with sturdier sod grass that will improve soil structure and percolation.

(Faith E. Pinho)

A maintenance crew will be performing soil remediation to help reduce salinity and improve the soil’s structure, oxygenation and water percolation. Once the soil has been prepared, kikuyu grass sod will be installed. Known for its durability and wear resistance, the grass type is ideal for areas that experience high usage.

Prior to the start of the work, city officials circulated a survey to residents and users of the Bark Park, asking for feedback on artificial versus real grass and whether the addition of certain features, such as shade structures and landscaping, would be welcomed at the site.

Located near the O.C. fairgrounds, at 890 Arlington Drive, the Bark Park offers a small and large dog play area, fresh water, grass, trees, benches, trashcans (and free poop bags) to members of the public. The park is open Thursday through Tuesday, from 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. and is closed Wednesdays for maintenance.

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