NORTH BATTLEFORD — An errant soccer ball hitting a sprinkler is being blamed for causing a shutdown of the turf at the NationsWEST Field House.
At council Monday, Director of Parks and Recreation Cheryl DeNeire reported the turf at the facility was soaked by the sprinkler system that was set off.
There has been a “large amount of water damage,” said DeNeire. “At the moment, we are waiting for some experts to come in and look at the turf.”
Until that time, half the turf is down, and two of the courts are being used to dry out the portion of turf that had to be pulled out. DeNeire said they will know more in the coming days.
The soccer ball hit a sprinkler that was located high above the turf in what is being described as a freak occurrence. The sprinklers in the field house are located about 30 to 35 feet up, but had no protective shield or cage placed over top of it.
They have never been hit in the past, DeNeire said, adding "it was a lucky shot."
The pool at the Co-op Aquatic Centre was also shut down in late August and early September. However, the pool is normally shut down for annual maintenance during this time of year. DeNeire noted with kids going back to school and weather getting cooler, this is the time of year when people are least likely to attend the pool.
