Danville grass fields close for winter season

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Danville officials have closed town-operated natural grass sports fields for the winter as part of the annual seasonal moratorium to allow time for the fields to rest, be renovated and avoid damage during the rainy season.

The closure, which started earlier this month, applies to all user groups and the general public, and it pertains to San Ramon Valley school district grass fields in the town as well.

“The town takes great pride in the condition of the sports fields and are always striving to provide the user groups with the best sports fields possible,” Danville officials said in a statement on the town’s DanvilleToday website.

“By allowing the fields time to rest and recover during the winter months gives the sorts fields a much better chance of surviving the spring, summer and fall sport seasons when the fields are heavily utilized for everything from baseball to soccer,” they added.

The grass fields are scheduled to remain closed through February, with re-opening set for March 1, weather permitting.

During the closure window, the fields receive fertilization, aeration and seeding along with much-needed rest, officials said. The skinned infields of the baseball diamonds receive a new ball-field mix and are prepared for the spring baseball season.

Officials said they anticipated the large dog park at Hap Magee Ranch Park would receive new sod this month, barring watering restrictions imposed by the state or the East Bay Municipal Utility District. That would give the sod almost three months to take root before re-opening in March.

The town maintains a “Sports Field Information” phone line, 314-3484, that residents can call to determine the status of all town-maintained sports fields. For more information, contact the town’s Maintenance Services Department at 314-3450 or maintenance@danville.ca.gov.