Spring Field Status Update

APRIL 17, 2024 

If fields have puddles on them, please don't play! 
Once the Town opens a field for the season, field playability is at the discretion of every permit holder to determine if a field is playable. Check with your league/coach before playing.

If you step on a field, and it leaves a footprint, or makes any noise, it's too wet - do not use. Please see the playability guidelines below.
It is the responsibility of all permit holders, players, coaches and users to use the fields properly. Coaches - move your practices out of the goal mouths!

DATES / SEASONAL CLOSURE All outdoor facilities are closed from late November to late March / mid-April; exact dates to be determined seasonally by Department of Public Works. Fields decisions will be made on a field-by-field basis and listed as OPEN or CLOSED on this site.

FIELD PLAYABILITY While the DPW has exclusive rights and authority in determining whether fields are open or closed ALL USERS have a responsibility of discerning if a field is playable regardless of a current weather condition by the guidelines below:

Any and all use should not commence, or continue on a field if any of the following are true:

• If the field has been closed by the DPW; DPW maintains authority to close a field at any time for any reason.
• If the field has standing water on it
• If the field is saturated with water (will not dry or de-puddle by game time)
• If more than 0.5 inches of rain/snow is/has fallen in the last 24 hours
• If by playing on the field, the players are, or would be, damaging the field beyond normal wear and tear
• i.e. Footing in insecure or slippery, creates muddy areas, ground clings or cakes to shoes & cleats etc.
• If you can hear your footsteps, or if footsteps leave an impression, or cause water to rise to the surface
• If, once a game begins, the referee, umpire, or league official is responsible for the decision to suspend a game due to the above or other conditions
• Lightning occurs within 30 minutes of play
• If surfaces are icy or frozen
• Unsafe facility conditions- dry surfaces, glass, exposed stones and rocks, etc.
• Softball and Baseball fields are often playable even with standing water on the infield. Do not sweep or rake puddles. As long as a field does not pose a hazard to the players it can be used. See criteria for grass above.