Sports fields in Parksville’s community park and Springwood Park will undergo weed treatment this month and next.
The city conducted integrated pest management assessments on three fields in Springwood Park and one in the community park and found all have surpassed the weed threshold by a considerable margin.
Washrooms, tennis courts and off-field areas will remain accessible while the Springwood Park fields are closed Aug. 17–18, the city said.
The community park will undergo treatment on Sept. 21. The city said it will provide information about the park’s treatment and closure next month.
The city treatment of the weeds on sports fields is necessary because turf grass provides the best surface coverage, is durable, provides stable footing and provides a more predictable ball roll and bounce. Similar treatments have previously been conducted on the fields.
When weeds encroach on a playing surface, traction is compromised because weeds crowd out preferred turf grass species, wear and tear of the field is compromised and there is no longer stable footing for athletes which can lead to injuries and other safety concerns.
