Some Kamloops’ sports field closures remain in effect

Jul 3, 2018 | 10:12 AM

KAMLOOPS — Update: This afternoon the City of Kamloops decided to close more sports fields due to soggy field conditions. They are:

  • Pacific Way soccer fields
  • Pacific Way slo-pitch fields
  • West Highlands soccer fields
  • McGowan Park slo-pitch fields

The Pacific Way fields will be closed all week, while the other fields will be assessed on a daily basis.

Earlier: Due to soggy conditions, sport field closures announced Monday will remain in effect in Kamloops today.

The City of Kamloops says affected fields include McArthur Island soccer fields 1-9 and Norbrock Stadium.

All other baseball fields in the city, including those on McArthur Island, are open.

“The amount of rainfall we’ve received in such a short period of time, it just didn’t allow the turf and the infields – the shale – to drain. So, if you were walking on them they would be saturated with water up to your ankles,” says Parks and Civic Facilities Manager Jeff Putnam.

“So, if we allowed people to use them not only would there be some safety concerns, it could do permanent damage to the root system in the grass as well as the infield shale.”

He says the closures will be reassessed on a daily basis but says he’s “optimistic” sporting events – including a soccer and baseball tournament scheduled this week at McArthur Island Park – will go forward.