Summerfest

[2112]

The turf is going to be redone in a few weeks. Now the grass grows on very little top soil and is very compacted. When trucks drive on it little damage is done since it is so compacted. As an athletic field it is less than desirable since the field has no give, is akin to playing on a clay surface and sprouts rocks.

New topsoil is going to imported in. I fear as the trucks drive on the rehabbed field ruts from the trucks and rides will damage the field. Regardless when the field is rehabbed this is going to happen.

I believe a good hard look at Clementia is warranted. The folks who know best, the carnival, can make a decision if the rides can be put at Clementia and if there are any other issues to be concerned with such as ADA laws. If it cannot be put at Clementia then the test will be when Summerfest is put at Stonehouse and what damage may occur there. Of course any damage on the field will have to be mitigated ASAP since practice needs to resume again for soccer and games start two weeks after Summerfest.

[Matthew]

I talked to Mike Martel about this thread. He seemed to appreciate all the opinions. He did want to offer a bit of background on this subject.

He said the first Summerfest was held at the lake. The Summerfest committee was concerned with an accident around the water. They felt that if anything ever happened that the event would be looked upon negatively from then on. There are some challenges with parking and dust at the lake. There are also some ADA issues that Stonehouse does not have.

Mike said they are aware of issues with the fields. They have started taking photos before and after the carnival to see where the issues are and where they can improve. He said one of the things that has been hard on the fields in the past in the water slides. They add a lot of water to the ground and with all the traffic it is hard on the turf. There will be no water slides this year.

It sounds like there is really no other option and Summerfest will remain at Stonehouse. I think the committee is open to ideas on mitigating any issues. Mike will monitor this thread so if you have any ideas feel free to post them.

[Luke]

If anyone is cognizant of and appreciative of the field issue, it is Mike. Not that he is the only one, but his efforts over the years are certainly a key reason we even have the fields and amenities that we have at Stonehouse.

[Maximus]

Originally Posted by Luke

If anyone is cognizant of and appreciative of the field issue, it is Mike. Not that he is the only one, but his efforts over the years are certainly a key reason we even have the fields and amenities that we have at Stonehouse.

A great point. Mike and Randy Jenco and a few others are the reasons why Stonehouse Park is so great.

After this thread started, I spoke with a couple Summerfest people. They have thought about all the location options we have discussed here. I was on the ETC BOD and the lake presents some challenges for a variety of reasons including ADA. There is a great bunch of folks who run Summerfest and they think BIG which is why the events are outstanding.

And the Summerfest money goes back in to Rancho Murieta. Thank you SF!