Soggy parks and ball fields are drying out after two days of rain and snow. Several events were canceled, marking the start of the ongoing love-hate relationship parks managers have with summer showers.
While no damages were reported, standing water forced the cancelation of some activities scheduled at baseball fields, golf courses and multi-purpose fields, said Dave Lorenz, director of South Suburban Parks and Recreation.
“It’s business as normal,” Lorenz said. “This happens all summer.”
While the rain may have botched some plans this week, it is better for the parks in the long run, Lorenz said. On average, South Suburban, which covers most of Arapahoe County west of Interstate 25 and parts of Douglas County, will put down about 20 inches of water a year on its fields.
During drought conditions, Denver Parks and Recreation puts down an average of 24 inches of water per square-acre, said spokeswoman Angela Casias.
“Any rain that falls is an additional saving to that water budget we put out ever year,” Casias said. “The long term benefits are that it saves us money.”
The water budget is one of the largest expenses for the department, and averages about $4 million a year, Casias said.
Rain is particularly welcome in the spring when new trees and flowers are being planted.
Parks across the metro area are reporting they are in “fair” condition this spring, and while they may cancel some athletic events, cool, wet conditions are welcome, said Kate Dragoo, spokeswoman for the Foothills Parks and Recreation.
“Based on how these storms meander around the metro area, hitting some places and not others, we will let them play,” Dragoo said. “We love to have them (storms), but it is always a positive-negative relationship.”
Foothills Parks and Recreations covers 28-square-miles of unincorporated Jefferson County.
Jordan Steffen: 303-954-1794 or jsteffen@denverpost.com
