UPDATED JUNE 7, 2017
(Portland, OR) –
Gabriel Park Field #2 is now open for use. Drop-in play is now permitted again. As with all Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) fields, league games and practices must be coordinated via the PP&R Customer Service Center at 503-823-PLAY. Have a great summer.
POSTED MAY 23, 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 citywide are now open for all permitted games, practices, and drop-in play as of Tuesday, May 23, 2017. The lone exception is Gabriel Park’s baseball field #2 in southwest Portland, where restoration work is expected to be completed next week.
Photo: PP&R crews have worked extensively to get playing fields across Portland back in shape despite record-setting rain this winter and spring. In photo: Athletic Field Supervisor Shawn Lindsey, pictured at east Portland’s Walker Stadium (in Lents Park). Lindsey is quick to give credit to his front-line staff for their exceptional efforts.
The Bureau appreciates the public understanding that with the record-setting wet conditions which persisted citywide for weeks, games, practices and drop-in play at PP&R fields had to be suspended. The time off allowed the saturated soil to slowly drain, prevented damage to the turf which would have impacted play throughout the busy summer season, and restricted play on potentially unsafe playing surfaces. Crews were unable to mow grass when the turf was soaked, as mowers would have dug ruts into the turf and as, Portland homeowners know from taking care of their own lawns, the wet grass would have resisted being cut.
PP&R Sports Management and the Bureau’s turf management divisions thank Portlanders for their patience and welcome the return of sunny, warm weather. They remind field users of the rules designed around safety, and ask you to please follow them when checking your game site prior to play, particularly after future heavy rains:
- 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 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.
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.
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