POSTED MAY 1, 2017
(Portland, OR) -
Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) announces that all grass playing fields (for sports such as soccer, lacrosse, etc.) as well as baseball and softball fields EAST of the Willamette River are now open for practices, games, and drop-in play as of Monday, May 1, 2017.
Photo: Unplayable field conditions persist at parts of Gabriel Park.
The Bureau appreciates the public understanding that with the continued wet and saturated conditions citywide, practices and drop-in play at fields which are still impacted by wet conditions - mostly on the west side of the river - may negatively impact the turf throughout the year. Therefore, for fields west of the Willamette River, only games previously scheduled via a permit with the PP&R Customer Service Center will be held until further notice.
PP&R will re-evaluate field conditions citywide daily until staff determine all areas can reopen for games and practices. The next decision may be made on Thursday morning, May 4, 2017.
Please note that due to continued unplayable conditions two playing fields at Gabriel Park (known as fields 2 and 3) remain closed for ALL activities at this time.
PP&R sports management and the Bureau’s turf management divisions have been inspecting fields citywide after playing surfaces became impacted by weather-related conditions such as standing water, mud, and long grass (some of which can’t yet be mowed because the ground is too soft).
PP&R has rules for permit-holders designed around safety. To those people, teams and leagues who have reserved fields for games, we remind you to please follow these rules when checking your game site prior to play:
- If there is standing water or visible mud on a field, do not play.
- If you step on your field and sink down an inch or more, do not play.
- Please do not try to remove any water, dirt or mud from fields.
PP&R understands that the field closures are or have been inconvenient for some. However, safety of all park visitors is PP&R’s top priority. Also, any damage inflicted on playing surfaces this spring can result in ongoing safety issues during the peak summer season, as well as increased costs for repair and maintenance. PP&R will re-evaluate field conditions citywide daily. Please note: questions about Portland Public School (PPS) fields should be directed to the school district; Portland Parks & Recreation does not handle closures for PPS fields.