Rain forced athletes off sports fields last week and that scene may become more common.
The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee is considering tighter policies about closing sports fields during heavy rainfall.
“We are looking at a harder stance on protecting the surface,” said Keith Pinkoski, parks manager.
“There’s a lot of capital we are investing in and we want to protect that capital.”
GVAC is responsible for Marshall Field and Creekside Park and those fields were closed regularly last week.
“All it takes is one game and the field is toast with the sliding and tackling. They are playing on muck,” said Pinkoski.
The wet turf can be ripped apart, which can lead to injuries.
“We want to provide safe conditions for players,” said Pinkoski.
About $25,000 is being spent this year to improve the fields at Marshall Field.
Previously, authorities were fairly flexible to teams being on fields during the rain, but Pinkoski insists that attitude must change.
“We seem to have heavier weather events and we’re responding differently than in the past,” he said.
GVAC is also investigating ways to increase maintenance reporting with the contractor, which is the City of Vernon.
A review of early season irrigation for Marshall Field will also be considered as treated waste water is not always available when the fields open in March and April.
