FAQs

Why are there more weeds on the fields than in the past?: In the 1980’s and 1990’s, it was a common practice throughout the United States to spray pesticides on weeds found on athletic fields. The removal of the weeds was to provide a safer facility for children, but the pesticides added a concern for long-term health. Needham gradually reduced its reliance on pesticides and began working within an Integrated Pest Management Policy that strives to find alternative methods to eliminating weeds and pests. This policy integrates with the new State requirements at schools and day cares.

Fields

1. How many athletic fields are in Needham?: There are 25 diamonds and 14 multi-purpose fields. The fields vary in size and not all can be used in the same season as the lay-outs cross over each other.

2. Who maintains the athletic fields?: The DPW Parks and Forestry Division provides maintenance to all public athletic fields, along with completing many other duties, including holding the responsibility for public trees.

3. Why do participants pay a $5 Field Maintenance fee?: Established in July, 2003 this fee provides a source of funding for needed maintenance tasks on all athletic fields. Maintenance is slowly shifting from “reactive” to “proactive” tasks, raising the safety level of most fields.

4. What kinds of projects are done with the Field Maintenance fee?: The projects vary from year to year, and are not done on all fields on a regular basis. Some examples are:
Diamonds: renovation, edging, infield mix and conditioner, organic weed control, backstop repair.

Multi-purpose Fields: aeration, sod for goal mouths, organic treatment, renovation, overseeding.

Miscellaneous: irrigation and bubbler repairs, equipment repair and parts, soil testing, soil amendments, fence repairs, supplies.

5. What are some of the successes funded by the Field Maintenance Fee?: The compaction on heavily used multi-purpose fields has decreased, and along with improved soil chemistry, has allowed for stronger turf growth.
Diamonds are all re-cut in the fall in preparation for the busy spring season.

6. What do I do if I have a maintenance question?: Please refer these to your league officials who will contact the Town, and notify other coaches/parents.

7. Who schedules the athletic fields?: The Park and Recreation Department schedules all athletic fields, including Memorial Park as of Spring 2006.

8. Why do I pay a Field Administration Fee?: Established in the early 1990’s, this fee is deposited into the Town’s General Fund in recognition of the amount of work that it takes to perform all the tasks related to administration of the fields. The fee is not available to be spent directly on field-related activities.

9. Are there scheduling priorities?: Yes. Needham High School sports are given first priority, as are school activities at their own site. Needham youth are the second priority, followed by Needham adults, and then all others.

10. If I’m a coach and need additional practice field space, whom should I contact?: The available field space was distributed, through permits, to all the leagues in bulk time slots, so only your league officials can provide individual time slots for your team. Park and Recreation will have minimal time slots available for Needham families & non-sport organizations.

11. Why are there more weeds on the fields than in the past?: In the 1980’s and 1990’s, it was a common practice throughout the United States to spray pesticides on weeds found on athletic fields. The removal of the weeds was to provide a safer facility for children, but the pesticides added a concern for long-term health. Needham gradually reduced its reliance on pesticides and began working within an Integrated Pest Management Policy that strives to find alternative methods to eliminating weeds and pests. This policy integrates with the new State requirements at schools and day cares.

12. So, if you can’t spray the weeds, what can be done?: The DPW has experimented with using an organic spray that has vinegar as a prime ingredient, but as it does not eliminate the root structure, the weeds return. In addition to continuing the research, here is what is being done:
Diamonds: In the fall, each diamond has the weeds mechanically removed as the infield is regraded.
Multi-Purpose: A strong turf does not allow for major weed growth, so efforts are underway to decrease compaction along with improved soil conditions, to make it possible to grow that strong turf.

13. Should I be concerned about mosquitoes?: Unfortunately, the answer is YES. Mosquitoes in Needham have been found to carry West Nile Virus, and on the South Shore and recently in Brookline, Eastern Equine Encephalitis has been found. Mosquito populations are primarily reduced at their earliest stages, but spraying can also be done for those grown to adulthood. The Health Department works closely with Norfolk County Mosquito Control to make the safest decisions for Needham.

14. Are deer ticks a concern in Needham?: There is an increase in the number of Needham residents diagnosed with Lyme disease. Check for deer ticks, especially if players have gone off the field for a lost ball.

15. Are the droppings from Canada Geese a health problem?: Though they create an unpleasant playing environment, there is no current evidence that any health risks are transferred from Canada Geese to humans. Canada Geese desire grass and a water source, available at some of the athletic fields. The only long-term solution is to keep the eggs from producing, which requires a federal permit. All other solutions tend to be temporary and not effective in the long-term, including sprays, dogs, swans, and artificial predators.

16. Why are some fields closed when the rain has stopped and it is sunny out?: Some of the fields were built on wetland areas and drain slower than others. For the safety of the players, fields remain closed until they are dry enough to allow for the proper footing. Performing your own patch to the areas can create a more dangerous situation for players! Caution: many fields have irrigation systems which attract lightning, and that shock can be transferred to people on the field.

17. Why am I asked not to bring my dog to watch a game?: There are several reasons. (1) The most well-behaved dog can be spooked, creating an unsafe situation for anyone in the area. (2) The dog’s urine is highly acidic, changing the soil conditions in those areas to one that is not conducive for growing turf. (3) The dog’s feces can carry unhealthy bacteria which can be transferred to humans who come in contact with it. (4) The Town’s by-laws do not permit the dog to be off of its leash. Please leave your dog at home!

18. Why do some school sites not have trash barrels?: Uncovered trash attracts animals and insects. With the number of children now diagnosed with life-threatening allergies to bee stings, it is a risk that many principals are not willing to take.

19. Why are the trash cans full some days?: The DPW Parks and Forestry Division takes two staff away from other duties, including mowing, in order to empty the more than 90 park barrels on Mondays and Fridays.
Please do your best to place all trash in the proper receptacles. The increase of trash on the fields decreases the time for mowing and other maintenance tasks. If all trash receptacles are full, please remove your own trash from the park - help us keep the parks safe and clean!