Politics & Government

DeHart Field Gets Thumbs Up to Open Saturday

Organic turf expert deems field ready for play.

 

DeHart Park organic turf field will open on Saturday, according to Keith Knudsen, Director of the Maplewood Recreation Department.

"Everything looked good," said Knudsen, referring to this week's inspection by an organic turf expert. "We're hoping for full usage all the way to fall."

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Last week, members of the Township Committee voiced worry that the field would not be able to open for the spring sports season. Officials were also concerned that other local fields were being overused as a result of DeHart being closed. The field was open for last fall's playing season but had not yet been able to be used this spring. 

Knudsen said the expert deemed the field usable for play. The field will be open for the rest of the year, but the township will closely monitor its condition and will close it if necessary in the case of poor weather or for regular maintenance.

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"It is in good shape now but your basic field of any kind needs basic maintenance," Knudsen said. He pointed out that the organic sod has not yet gone through a complete playing season. "It is fresh sod, and even conventional sod has to take root," he said.

Knudsen said the township hopes that by next year, the field will be established enough to handle a full playing season.

"I'm excited it's opening," he said.


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