Firefighter's Field Closed for Winter

Received the following message from RIOC's Program Services officer regarding plans for Roosevelt Island ball fields and the closing of Firefighter's Field for the winter. Firefighter's Field is next to the Riverwalk buildings and adjacent to the Tram station.

...I'm hoping you might be interested in posting something on your blog
regarding Firefighter's Field.
We've actually closed the field down in hopes of preserving it
over the winter so we can have the best playing field possible come
spring. Our fields will be in high demand as always and we want to make
sure they're ready to go. All other fields will remain open; they're in
better shape and can better handle anyone who might want to play on them
over the winter, but since Octagon Field will be undergoing construction
come spring, it's imperative that Firefighter's (the only other soccer
field we have) is in ship-shape!...

I have noticed that the field is fenced off but that has not stopped people from playing on it. On Sunday I saw a group playing a game of touch football and having alot of fun. Not sure how RIOC will be able to enforce the ban. Also, I hope RIOC intends to do more than just prohibit use of Firefighter's Field this winter in order to "have the best possible field come spring". I have often found the field to be a muddy mess even when there has not been any rain!


One other issue regarding the ball fields. RIOC please do not let non-Roosevelt Island groups such as Zog Sports and Manhattan private schools monopolize the fields as has been done in the past. I am not asking that these groups be prohibited from using the fields at all times but strike a balance in favor of the residents of Roosevelt Island. Allow us to have a catch, throw a Frisbee or fly a kite on spring and summer weekends, or at night after a day's work, without having to fight for space with these groups. Plan for these issues now so that problems do not occur in the spring and summer.
Image of Firefighter's Field is from Bridge and Tunnel Club.
Image of muddy field is from Honolulu Advertiser and not of Roosevelt Island