MAPLECREST PARK FIELDS MAY BE CLOSED ALL SPRING, AN "ABSOLUTE MESS"

This came down from the Maplewood Recreation Department on Friday.

Hi Everybody,

I’m sure it will not come as a shock that Maplewood’s Fields will be closed today, 4/4.
I was just out walking the fields with my director and both of our shoes are soaked and covered with mud. There is standing water on just about every field and the weather forecast is predicting more rain for this evening. For this reason, the fields will remain closed throughout the weekend. We will re-evaluate things on Monday. Hopefully with the sunny weather coming this weekend, things will dry up soon.
Just as a side note, Maplecrest Park is an absolute mess. The whole grass area of the multi-purpose field is mud with cleat marks and divots all over the place. It is quite clear that someone has been out playing on this field. The condition of this field is the exact reason why we choose to keep the fields closed through weekends like this one. Because someone was out there playing, Maplecrest Park is in danger of being shut down for the whole Spring Season. I know everyone is anxious to get out on the fields, but we must continue to be patient. They are not playable and they will be ruined for the season. Please make sure that all of your coaches are informed when you receive this email that all of our parks are closed for the entire weekend. We appreciate your cooperation.
If you have any questions, you can always contact me at the Recreation Department at (973) 763-4202.

Sincerely,

 

Bobby Tretola, Program Supervisor
Maplewood Recreation Department
574 Valley Street
Maplewood, NJ  07040

And to add to the situation, at least two leagues were playing softball and rugby o Memorial Field today, without permission, and were asked to leave by town officials.