Field Renovation Completed at Walter Pierce Park – Is the Fence a Necessary Evil?

Back in Aug. 2011 we saw how awesome the field at Walter Pierce Park (Adams Mill Road and Ontario Place, NW) in Adams Morgan was looking. Looks like the restoration is completed. One big change you’ll note are the pretty big fences. Do you think they are a necessary evil?

On the Adams Morgan listserv Mindy updates folks:

As I’m sure many of you have already seen, the field at Walter Pierce Park is now back online and ready for use (albeit with a permanent fence around it). According to DPR, the field will be open for free usage most of the time (unless otherwise permitted) and the gates will only be locked for maintenance purposes.

If you have an organized league, class, program, event that wants to use the field, you must apply for a permit from DPR (http://dpr.dc.gov/DC/DPR/Facilities+and+Permits/Permits+and+Reservations).

If you just want to play some Frisbee, toss a ball, or lay on it, and it is not permitted at the time you wish to use it, you’re free to do so.

Signage has been posted at the gates explaining the need for a permit and we’re working with DPR to make sure those signs are bilingual.

While there are a whole host of rules, regulations and requirements affiliated with athletic fields in the DPR system (available on their website), there are a few important ones that everyone should be aware of whether you have a permit to use the field or not.

1) Boisterous conduct, vulgar and profane language is prohibited.
2) Fields should not be used within 24 hours of significant rainfall.
3) No dogs are permitted, with the exception of registered service dogs.
4) Alcohol is not permitted anywhere in the park.

The field is currently permitted for the following dates/times:

Mondays through June 14 3:30pm-5:30pm
Tuesdays through June 14 3:30pm-5:30pm
Wednesdays through June 28 6pm -9pm
Thursdays through June 14 3:30pm-5:30pm
Thursdays through May 31 6pm-9pm
Saturdays through June 26 10:30am-1pm
Sundays through June 26 10:30am -1pm

Some folks have already complained about the excessive drinking occurring on the field on Thursday evenings. DPR and MPD are both aware of the situation.

If you have any issues with people using the field when they shouldn’t be, or issues with the conduct of those using the field, please don’t hesitate to contact the DPR Park Rangers: 202-441-2605.