Deteriorating turf conditions and safety concerns at the Octagon Sports Field have forced its closure last week, Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation announced.
The field, which is located on the northern part of the Island, is an outdoor soccer field, used by the community daily and is one of the most popular fields on Roosevelt Island. It is used from March to mid-November, for activities including soccer, football, lacrosse, and rugby.
Existing permit holders including several adult sports leagues that held paid reservations - at $175 per hour - are being contacted and will be given refunds, RIOC said.
Due to numerous unsafe snags, rips and tears on its turf - and rising concerns about the turf's potential to cause serious injuries - RIOC moved to close the field now and begin to repair and redevelop the field as well as all surrounding fixtures and facilities, including new bathrooms, bleacher seating, security fencing and new lighting.
This work - which has been an agenda item for discussion and approval by the RIOC Board of Directors at both its May and June meetings - is set to begin in the Fall of 2018 and be completed by Spring 2019.
A recreational soccer program, first organized this past spring by RIOC, will still be offered in the Fall at different locations.