Government

Coral Springs weighs spending $3 million on key community projects. What to know

The Coral Springs City Commission will meet on Wednesday, Oct. 15, to vote on an artificial turf installation, new asphalt for subdivisions and a change to allow e-bikes and electric scooters on pedestrian paths.
The Coral Springs City Commission will meet on Wednesday, Oct. 15, to vote on an artificial turf installation, new asphalt for subdivisions and a change to allow e-bikes and electric scooters on pedestrian paths. mocner@miamiherald.com

The Coral Springs City Commission handles millions of residents’ tax dollars, meeting twice a month to make key decisions around safety, recreation, aesthetics and more.

This week, that includes key votes on an artificial turf installation, new asphalt for subdivisions, and a change to local law to allow — and regulate — e-bikes and electric scooters on pedestrian paths during the Wednesday, Oct. 15, meeting.

Here’s what you need to know:

Two expenditures over $1 million up for vote

Four baseball fields in North Community Park will be converted from grass and dirt to synthetic materials under a $1.4 million contract with Astroturf Corporation.

According to the contract proposal, the fields are used daily year-round and host tournaments, recreational leagues and play among local residents.

“With such high usage, there are certain areas on the field that tend to wear out quicker than others,” the document reads.

The section goes on to detail the frequent repairs, maintenance and closures needed to keep the space playable.

But, experts and professional athletes are not all in favor of synthetic playing surfaces.

Researchers at Mt. Sinai’s Icahn School of Medicine have done extensive research on health risks for children, which include heat, chemical exposure and increased injury risks.

Turf is made of shredded plastic and other synthetic materials, which can contain chemicals linked to higher rates of cancer, liver damage, fertility issues and asthma according to the EPA.

High heat increases the risk of inhaling these chemicals. Depending on the material used, research shows that turf can reach up to 200 degrees — enough to cause second-degree burns.

The surface is also known to cause other avoidable injuries, leading to it being eliminated in FIFA World Cup competitions. The NFL Players’ Association has also called for professional football teams to eliminate it.

Astroturf denies these claims, stating on its website that its products do not contain PFAS. If approved, construction will begin in November, with all fields completed by early 2026.

Meanwhile, a $1.5 million contract for asphalt replacement is set to go to Weekley Asphalt Paving, Inc. after a bidding process, according to city records.

Though the start and end dates for the project are unclear, it would mean smoother driving for residents of the Kensington Glen and Beachwood Heights subdivisions.

The contract also includes a portion of Westview Drive between Coral Ridge Drive and Coral Springs Drive.

The paving company is older than the city of Coral Springs. It was founded in 1947, according to its website, and has been producing asphalt in Pembroke Pines since 2008.

Two expenditures costing over $1 million apiece will be up for a vote during the Coral Springs City Commission meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 15.
Two expenditures costing over $1 million apiece will be up for a vote during the Coral Springs City Commission meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 15. Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com

Commission moves to legalize, regulate e-bikes on sidewalks

Under current rules, e-bikes, electric scooters and similar devices are not allowed on Coral Springs sidewalks. That could change after this week’s City Commission hearing.

The current ordinance banned motorized vehicles on sidewalks or pathways. Violators can be fined — but it hasn’t stopped use.

The new ordinance would allow the devices on Coral Springs sidewalks, but with a 15 mph speed limit. Riders would be required to yield to pedestrians, reducing speeds to 5 mph within 25 feet.

Brad McKeone, deputy city manager for Coral Springs, responded to concerns from the public and commissioners during the bill’s first reading on Sept. 25, saying that the city plans to balance risk by launching a public education campaign and enforcing speed limits. The penalty is $37.50, a standard for city ordinance violations.

According to city documents, the commission is considering changing its policy because more residents are using the devices, which have a lower carbon footprint than driving, reduce road congestion and, for some, are more convenient than public transit.

Sherry “Sapir” Roth, 20-year resident and first-time speaker, testified about her concern that the ordinance may risk causing more collisions between cars and bikes during the bill’s Sept. 25 reading.

Jose Morera, a longtime commenter and former candidate for the commission, also raised concerns about pedestrian safety during the meeting

“Pedestrians have no other options other than sidewalks to walk on,” he said. “That’s their safety net.”

How to participate or watch

The Coral Springs City Commission meeting is scheduled from 6:30-11 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at City Hall. Attendees can park free at the public garage at 3210 N. University Dr.

If you’re interested in testifying during public comment on any item listed in the commission’s meeting agenda, you can fill out this form .

Residents who are unable to attend the meeting can contact members of the City Commission via email, call or text — most have their contact information available on this page.

You can also watch the meeting live here.

This story was originally published October 14, 2025 at 3:04 PM.

Allison Beck
Coral Springs News
Allison Beck is an award-winning reporter for the Coral Springs News, a sister publication to the Miami Herald. They are a proud Temple University graduate with experience covering a wide range of topics from stolen human remains to space-based businesses.