What a difference a year makes.
The soccer fields at Waveny on March 22, 2016. Credit: Michael Dinan
Twelve months after a harsh, late winter made New Canaan’s grass fields unplayable well into April, the town’s parks superintendent said “the prognosis is good” for timely openings of the popular sports fields this spring.
“We are in a great position,” said John Howe, parks superintendent in the Department of Public Works. “What helps me is that there’s no frost in the ground. Last year, when there was frost in the ground, it could only dry by evaporating, instead of working its way through the soil.”
Mellick Field at Mead Park on March 22, 2016. Credit: Michael Dinan
New Canaan High School’s baseball and softball teams got a day of practice in already last weekend, and soccer teams are on track to start next week, he said.
Even Monday’s snow only set back schedules by about one day, he said.
“We are in day-to-day mode—if we get heavy rain, we might have to close,” yet the parks department is “two weeks ahead of last year, if not more,” Howe said.