A Number of Vaughan Sports Fields Remain Closed Due to Poor Turf Conditions
May 2, 2014
The opening of some sports fields in the City of Vaughan has been delayed due to poor turf conditions.
With the grass turning green over the past week, City staff have now been able to fully assess and understand the extent of the turf damage caused by the severe winter and the associated impacts on sports field use.
There are a number of fields that have suffered severe damage to the turf and are going to require significant work before they are ready for play. These fields have lost 30 to 90 per cent of the turf cover as a result of the ice storm and the associated snow mold from the prolonged snow cover. The sports fields crews are working to get these fields back in order, however, it is estimated it will take eight to 10 weeks for the new grass to establish itself and field conditions to meet the requirements for safe play.
The following fields will remain closed for the next eight to 10 weeks –
- Father Bressani – premium
- Father Ermanno (East Field) – premium
- Le Parc – premium
- Maple Community Centre – premium
- Princeton Gate – 9v9
- Twelve Oaks – senior
- Jack Pine Park – mini
- Freedom Trail – mini
- Carville Mills – mini
- Sonoma Heights – senior
- Patricia Kemp
- Dufferin District No. 1 and No. 2
The remaining sports fields are expected to open on May 12. Parks staff continue to monitor conditions on a daily basis. The safety of the users remains a top priority and fields will only be opened when they are deemed safe for play.
Baseball diamonds will open as scheduled on May 5 with the exception of Vaughan Grove diamonds No. 1 and No. 2, and Concord Thornhill Regional Park diamond No. 2. This is due to delayed construction activities at both facilities.
Vaughan maintains more than 200 sports fields across the City. These fields receive extensive fertilization, aeration, overseeding, top dressing and mowing to maintain quality sports turf. Irrigation is managed on premium fields by a central computer system which also assists in a reduction of water consumption. The fields are routinely inspected to maintain high quality turf for all users.
For more information on sports fields in Vaughan, visit vaughan.ca.