Editor:
We do appreciate the avid soccer enthusiasts' frustration in not having access to this playing field and we are asking for the public's patience and understanding during this time. We understand the frustration is heightened as other fields usually utilized have been closed to prevent the inevitable damage to the turf which occurs during this time of year when open for play.
It is because Brothers Park has accommodated the increased winter usage due to the seasonal closures of other fields that the condition of the field has suffered and is in need of extensive repairs. Staff has been working to conduct those repairs and to date have completed the irrigation system, the installation of the geothermal field, and the installation of new valves and meters.
Unfortunately we have been hampered in making progress due to events that are outside our control. The watering restrictions imposed during the late summer / early fall drought and low water reserves are an example of those outside influences which have delayed this project. In addition, scheduling around winter conditions and the use of the field as an access for heavy equipment to the end of November for the completion of the new RCMP facility further delayed the project.
Staff is looking forward to resuming this project as weather improves with some drainage problems solved and the field sliced, top dressed with sand and new soil, over seeded and fertilized during February and March. We anticipate limiting the use of the southern portion of the field to allow for the establishment of the seeded area over the geothermal field.
Mayor Wayne Rowe
Town of Gibsons
