Rollo McLay fields open for now but drought conditions may change that

Summer is here and the fields at Rollo McLay park are currently open and in good condition, according to Regional District of Nanaimo parks staff, but that could change should the weather get hotter and drier.

This time last year the upper field was closed following turf repairs, which continued into the fall. Both fields were closed for an extended period in 2023. The main concern will be managing the levels of the reservoir over the summer, manager of parks services, Rick Daykin, said. The reservoir is the only irrigation source for the fields. Since last summer, the parks department has upgraded the fields’ irrigation spray heads that are intended to improve efficiency and coverage.

For the west coast, Environment and Climate Change Canada is predicting near normal temperatures with medium probability and above normal precipitation with low probability from June to August.

In the spring, RDN staff met with the Gabriola Recreation Society, Gabriola Softball Association, Gabriola Soccer Association and the drop-in soccer group to discuss field bookings, maintenance and access. Historically some groups have expressed frustration with securing play space as well as being consulted on finding ways to minimize field closures due to poor conditions.

Parks staff said the meeting included discussion on working with user groups to “steward field usage” such as rotating play areas to reduce damage to turf, using the gravel infields during inclement weather and using “discretionary judgment” to cancel and reschedule use during poor weather conditions. User groups and staff also spoke about working together on developing a field use policy in 2025.

Electoral Area B Director Vanessa Craig noted at the June 13 electoral area services committee the RDN has been challenged with tracking usage. “Some groups would have multiple sessions but they weren’t signing up so we couldn’t track the usage of the fields.” The Gabriola Recreation Society coordinates field and court bookings on the island on behalf of the RDN. “So we’re implementing a bunch of different changes to try and get a better handle on who is using the fields when, and a better understanding of when the conditions might not allow full play, and looking at various options within the master plan as well,” Craig said, such as staff investigating options for a new sports field facility on the island. A report on staff findings will be produced after the approval of the Gabriola recreation and parks master plan, expected in early 2025.

Rachelle Stein-Wotten, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Gabriola Sounder