The Bellevue City Council has chosen A-1 Landscaping and Construction to install synthetic turf at Wilburton Hill Park, clearing the way for mud-free soccer there by next spring. A-1 was the low bidder, offering to do the work for $889,000.

A dirt field that turned to a virtual mud pit during the rainy months, the Wilburton pitch is one of Bellevue’s two sports fields slated to be upgraded to synthetic turf over the next several months. The field at Newport Hills Park will also soon be available for year-round use.

The 2008 Parks & Natural Areas Levy included $3 million for synthetic turf installation at the two parks. Installing synthetic turf at Wilburton has been a high-priority park project for many years, satisfying a need for more high-quality fields without increasing maintenance and operational costs.

In addition to being less muddy, the synthetic turf, similar to that at Qwest Field, will also require less maintenance, with no costly mowing, watering, fertilizing or re-seeding necessary.

In good condition year-round the Wilburton pitch will not only be able to support soccer leagues and camps, but also the growing interest in lacrosse and other sports. The field will also be open to the community for general recreational use.

The turf installation will begin later this month and is expected to be completed in time for the spring sports season. The park will remain open during the field conversion, though there may be some temporary closures in some areas, including the trail between Wilburton Hill Park and the Bellevue Botanical Garden.