City To Burnsville ​Residents: Stay Off Athletic Fields

BURNSVILLE, MN — Because turf grasses are not yet actively growing, Burnsville residents are asked to stay off of softball and other athletic fields until later in the spring.

Even when grass fields begin showing green and growth, they aren’t quite ready for foot traffic. It takes several weeks for frost to leave the ground, and fields to drain and dry properly.

Officials say it also takes time for turf grasses to replace growth tissue that is necessary to maintain a good playing surface throughout the summer.

In general, parks maintenance crews like to see soil temperatures rise to at least 55 degrees – typically around mid-April – before allowing people onto the fields.

Damage now can require costly renovations later, and result in downtime during the athletic season, according to a news release.

If grass is not allowed to establish, the turf will be thin, soil will be compacted, and the risk of weeds invading the playing field will increase.

Thin grass and compacted soil also pose a safety hazard for players.

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