A year later, the dry, dead grass is nearly as brown as the gravel on surrounding walkways. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times / June 4, 2010)

L.A.'s new, showcase downtown community green, which turned brown and died within months, appears to be headed for a renewal.

The chairwoman of the nonprofit Los Angeles Police Foundation said Friday that she has authorized the immediate release of funds to recondition the 1-acre lawn in the shadow of the new Los Angeles Police Department headquarters.

The action came the day The Times published an article about the popular open space, which was a rare, lush expanse of grass when it was dedicated less than a year ago.

"We'll figure out when to start work, and we'll get it done," said Cindy Miscikowski, the group's board chairwoman. The refurbishment, expected to cost $12,000 to $14,000, could begin within a week, she said.

The foundation took responsibility for the dying of the grass after the group held a large fundraiser on the fresh sod shortly after it was planted. Trucks and cranes erecting and breaking down a massive tent destroyed the turf, the Police Department said.

But disputes between insurance companies for the foundation and firms hired to put on the event stalled repairs for several months. Recent hot temperatures accelerated the green's demise and just a few tufts of green grass remain.

"Why it took this many months of sitting there is ridiculous," Miscikowski said. "It was a communication problem."