To support and preserve them, all grass playing fields in Belmont are closed until further notice.
As winter weather wanes, the accumulated snow and ice melt and combine with the thawing ground, creating a glutinous mire. When people walk on that, it can cause long-term damage to the fields. The more the fields are used, the worse the situation gets, according to Department of Public Works Director Jay Marcotte.
“One of the concerns and feedback we’ve been getting is ‘How do we preserve the integrity of the athletic fields,” said Recreation Director Brandon Fitts.
The condition of Belmont’s playing fields has recently been the subject of intense scrutiny. In January, the town established a Fields Working Group to address residents’ concerns about field conditions.
Creating the working group follows concerns raised by residents over field conditions, which Town Administrator Patrice Garvin called an “overuse problem.”
When the committee was formed, Fitts said the fields his department relies on are in tough shape because they are used year-round. He said preventing damage during the transition from winter to spring will help ease some of that.
“[Closing the fields] is not uncommon in other towns,” Marcotte said.
The closure takes advantage of the new scrutiny on the fields.
“Until recently, there was not the community-wide support to invest in those fields,” Fitts said. “With this field maintenance group, everyone’s taking a look at the fields in a holistic way.”
According to Marcotte, the closure would be largely self-policed. He said he hopes to have the fields back in service in a week, but it is all weather-related because they have to wait for the ground to dry.
“Resources are limited, and the funding is limited, so whatever we can do, and this is something free we can do to support the fields,” Fitts said.
The Field Working Group is:
- Roy Epstein, Select Board representative
- Marc Valenti, Lexington Public Works
- Dante Muzzioli, local landscaper
- Fitzie Cowen, field operations director for youth soccer
- Mike Capitani, Recreation Commission representative
- Jay Marcotte, Public Works director, ex officio