From Chip -
MIDDLE & WILDCAT FIELD
With the opening of the middle/Wildcat field there are some guidelines and rules that we must adhere to. These are not suggestions but rules set forth by the municipality and manufacturer.
1 – No food of any kind permitted. Sport drinks and other beverages are to remain in the bench/dugout area.
2 – Gum & seeds are not permitted.
3 - Chairs, tents and any other objects that could cause damage to the surface are not permitted.
4 – Any shoes with metal cleats, tips or spikes are prohibited.
5 – No motorized vehicles, skateboards, bicycles or vehicles of any type.
6 – Snow removal of any type is not permitted.
7 – Permitted events have precedence over any other activities.
8 – No tobacco products, open flames etc.
9 – All garbage is to be disposed of after each event/game.
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Ok, so I was down there the other day to drop off my daughter at Chippewee camp, and got there early, and decided to take a look at the field. If I was a turf proponent, I would be concerned. The fake grass part is very light, at least as far as I could see. There are big spaces and gaps between the blades, and a lot of black. It is almost as black as it is green.
ReplyDeleteThe job looks shoddy, and ready to deteriorate quickly. I still do not understand why this was a good idea or investment. Elaine, is Dave F. on your blog? I would like him to answer this question, and get his assessment of the work.
Jason, Dave F. Is NOT on my blog. Nobody from the SAB is on my blog.
ReplyDeleteElaine
Jason - The sports people get very upset when they have a) rain-outs related to field conditions. They also do not want to b) limit play on a field due to overuse. They believe that with the turf, they will not have a or b. They do not care about financial issues, overheating or toxicity. They care about playing time and they are very serious about getting their kids and teams the opportunity for "elite" training in preparation for the dream of college play.
ReplyDeleteDid I read wheelchairs are prohibited?
ReplyDeleteSounds like an ADA violation.
That is correct, 11:52 AM. I raised that point last year. No strollers or wheelchairs. Forget watching the fireworks there.
ReplyDeleteThe warranty for the turf at the high school was violated because of the folding chairs and high heels during Commencement.
Elaine
Don't forget the tents on the high school turf during Relay for Life. That probably voided the warranty as well.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing that struck me-no cleats? I'm not a sports person, so I do not know what footwear is worn by lacrosse players, but don't baseball and soccer players wear cleats? How could you buy something that you know cannot hold up to the sports being played on them?
Are bows and arrows allowed?
ReplyDelete1:43 PM, there are special cleats for artificial turf. No METAL cleats are permitted. One person spoke at a meeting over a year ago and asked who was going to be inspecting the footwear of the visiting teams.
ReplyDeleteLena, there was no mention of bows and arrows. The reason for seed is that there were vandals in other states who put out bird seed. And sunflower seeds attract birds too. The bird poop is difficult to clean up. Mt. Lebanon birds are potty trained. Scary deer are not.
Elaine
I haven't seen these rules posted on the rec dept site. Combined with the menacing MLSA email from a few weeks back warning folks to stay off the unfinished turf, this note sure makes it appear that the municipality no longer owns or controls Middle/Wildcat. Perhaps it doesn't...until the field begins to break down. At least that is when the sports groups will remind them.
ReplyDeleteI'll be interested to hear how slides into 2nd base feel too.
First game on the toxic turf started 27 minutes ago.
ReplyDeleteElaine
As our new publicly financed artificial field becomes a reality I thought you all might enjoy this treat from HBO: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver: Stadiums.
ReplyDeleteWARNING: This satire may be "triggering" for some people, causing abrupt and sustained laughter!
Yes, RG, 13 minutes of abrupt and sustained laughter! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteElaine