[RP TownTalk] turf field

[Lisa Grob]

Is it difficult to get a permit? Will this eliminate use of the space for
pick up games?

 

Lisa

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From: towntalk-bounces at riverdale-park.org
[mailto:towntalk-bounces at riverdale-park.org] On Behalf Of
bruce.wernek at mindspring.com
Sent: Friday, June 15, 2007 7:36 AM
To: Kate Sharpe; TownTalk
Subject: Re: [RP TownTalk] turf field

 

Kate

 

Thanks for the info.  

 

I would like to ask our Riverdale residents what they envision for the park.
Right now there a baseball field that's off limits unless you have a permit,
a couple of tennis courts which are accessible by all, and a possible turf
field which will also require a permit not to mention the lights.  During
the school year and late summer the future turf field and baseball field are
used by Dematha and other sports organizations.  They will/are also be off
limits for our residents without a permit.  What I would like to know is
where an I going to have a picnic, setup the volley ball net, or have a
cookout.  

 

It's simply a question of your definition of a park.  When I was growing up
it was a place for family gatherings, badminton, volleyball, and playtime
for the kids.  Today, its become more and more about sports.  These sports
fields take up a large portion of the park (~30%) and are used by primarily
non Riverdale residents.  Now there is a "proposal" on the table to section
off another large portion of the park for sports organizations.  What's
going to be left for us?

 

Bruce  



-----Original Message----- 
From: Kate Sharpe 
Sent: Jun 14, 2007 10:44 PM 
To: TownTalk 
Subject: [RP TownTalk] turf field 




Dear Town Talkers,

 

Last night I attended the community meeting about the proposed turf field at
the Riverdale Community Park.  The proposed turf field would replace a worn
out football/soccer field that is consistently in poor condition.  Players
using the current field run on hard packed dirt (bad for the joints) and
breathe substantial amounts of dust. 

 

Parks and Recreation has budgeted $750,000 for an artificial turf field, and
an additional $300,000 for possible lighting, a tree buffer between the
field and the neighborhood, moving the basketball court to a new location,
and 23 additional parking spaces.  The county would also like to redo play
areas, and add new restrooms and picnic shelters in a later phase that has
not yet been budgeted. 

 

Some points to consider:

*	The proposed turf field would have a life span of approximately 15
years.  Similar fields are in use in Montgomery and Fairfax Counties, and at
Georgetown University.  
*	If the county constructs the field, they would fence it
(undetermined height), and require a permit for use.  
*	Permits would be granted according to a prioritized list.  The Boys
and Girls Club has the highest priority.  
*	DeMatha would continue to use the field for lacrosse practice/games,
and football practice.  Their use of the field would not increase, according
to the county and DeMatha's athletic director.  
*	The field would not be useable during the day on very hot summer
days, because the artificial turf can reach temperatures of nearly 150
degrees. 
*	The proposed lighting would be placed on 55-ft poles (the trees
surrounding the field are approx. 65 feet high).  The county would utilize
newer light control technology that increases useable light on the playing
surface while decreasing spillover light and glare.  A new tree buffer would
also be added.  
*	The lights would be turned on when the field was actually in use,
and would be turned off by 10 p.m.  
*	Lighting would allow greater use of the field, especially in the
fall.  However, the field could be constructed without adding lighting. 
*	The county is working with the MD Dept. of Environmental Resources
to mitigate potential floodplain impacts.  

The Parks and Recreation proposal was first presented at Riverdale Park's
April Legislative meeting.  The Town Council will be discussing the proposal
further at our June 18th Work Session.  I welcome your comments and opinions
about the proposal.  Feel free to contact me on or off list (301-779-2169).

 

Kate Sharpe

Councilwoman, Ward Two 

 


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