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Weather Closure/Unsafe Field Conditions Policy


The Town of Cheshire reserves the right to close or otherwise restrict access to fields and/or facilities to fields and/or facilities due to inclement weather or unsafe conditions at any time. Pavilion rentals are generally held rain or shine, but forecasted severe weather may warrant cancellation or rescheduling at the Town's discretion.  Fields are inspected by town staff and cancellation decisions are made by the Director of Recreation in conjunction with the Director of Public Works. The town is committed to optimizing the quality of fields, ensuring safety, minimizing injury and reducing damage to fields that lead to costly repairs. 

Determining to play on athletic fields is a crucial decision impacting the conditions and sustainability of a field. Fields are closed to avoid injury and damage to players and to the playing surface. Choosing to play on a wet field or the vigorous attempt to dry a wet field are major reasons fields are damaged. 

An athletic field should be considered closed if any of the following conditions exist regardless of whether a notice is posted:
  • There is standing water present on any part of the field that cannot be removed without causing damage to the field. 
  • There are muddy conditions present that will not dry by the start of the game.
  • While walking on the field water can be seen or heard with a footstep.
  • While walking on the field of play, any impression of your footprint is left in the surface. 
  • If water gathers around the sole of a shoe or boot on any portion of the field.
Keep in mind that standing water occurs because the ground is saturated. Removing standing water does not eliminate the saturation. It is the saturation and not standing water that causes damage and unsafe conditions. 



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