While the weather may not always feel like spring just yet, seasonal operations are well underway across Ottawa as Parks Maintenance crews prepare outdoor spaces for the warmer months ahead.
City staff have already begun winter cleanup work, including removing outdoor rink boards, gates, safety netting and other seasonal equipment from parks and sledding hills. Crews are also tackling leaf cleanup following last fall’s early snowfall.
Preparation work is now underway at ball diamonds, sports fields, tennis courts and pickleball courts across the city. Staff are completing inspections, repairing fencing, reinstalling bleachers, turning irrigation systems back on and preparing playing surfaces for the upcoming season. Grass cutting, turf repairs, overseeding, aeration and litter cleanup are also underway.
With increased registration expected for baseball and other outdoor sports this year, crews are working hard to get fields ready as quickly as possible. However, cooler temperatures and wet ground conditions have slowed some work. Residents are reminded to stay off closed sports fields until they officially open for the season, both for safety reasons and to prevent damage to wet turf and field conditions.
Installation of tennis and pickleball nets has also begun where conditions allow, alongside court sweeping and repairs.
If you notice maintenance concerns in parks or outdoor amenities, residents can submit a service request online or contact 3-1-1.
Over the coming weeks, Parks Maintenance staff will also continue preparing splash pads, wading pools, docks and beaches for summer use. Stay tuned for more information in a future newsletter.
