Most city fields to open May 3

Later this week, the City of Prince George is opening most of its sport fields and ball diamonds for the 2019 season.

Following assessment, parks department crews have determined that almost all City sport fields and ball diamonds will be safe for play starting on Friday, May 3. Joe Martin Field and fields #3 and #4 at Volunteer Park will remain closed for about another week as they require more time to dry out and for the turf to properly establish. The public will be notified when they are ready for use. The lawn bowling facilities at Watrous Park will open in early June as usual.

“Rest and recovery is of vital importance to establish healthy turf,” said City Parks Supervisor, Chris Bjorn, in a news release. “Playing on a ball diamond or sport field too early or too late in the year can cause irreparable damage to root systems and weaken turf for the season. Playing on unsafe terrain can also lead to injury. It is essential to allow turf to establish proper root systems to ensure fields are healthy and safe through the playing season.”

Masich Place Stadium opened to the public and user groups on April 15.

Residents interested in parks and sports fields are encouraged to sign up for the Parks, Trails, and Sport Fields category on the subscribe page on the City website (https://news.princegeorge.ca/subscribe) to ensure they get up-to-date, official information.