Specific Ballfield Maps: Firefighters, Capobianco, Octagon, Pony

During the height of the corporate sports leagues it appears that sometimes various players are confused where on Roosevelt Island their game is being played. So when the Main Street WIRE provided maps are out of stock at the Tram perhaps these individual field maps will be of service. Double click any individual map to expand it for printing purposes.

Zog Sports Pushes RIOC regarding Conditions RI Soccer Fields

Apparently the folks at Zog Sports were unhappy with the field conditions at one or both of the Roosevelt Island soccer fields (Octagon and/or Firemans) and after discussing it with RIOC is bringing outside experts to assess the field(s) and make recommendations regarding their upgrade. An excerpt from yesterday’s entry on the Zog Blog:

“During a phone call with the VP of Operations last week, ZogSports also offered to find an outside, certified field maintenance specialist to assess the field and determine what might be the cause of the condition of the fields. We were able to find a local expert and arranged a meeting and field assessment next Wednesday, September 26. Based on our conversations with the field specialist, he believes that removing the puddles is a possibility. Also, we have been working with Roosevelt Island regarding proposals for returfing the field with synthetic field turf in 2008. We hope to have more news for you shortly.”

More and more it appears local residential use of these fields will be a thing of the past. You have to wonder how much money does RIOC take in from these outside organizations and is it substantial enough to warrant the time these fields are not open to local use. It’s not like these folks hang around at local dining establishments afterwards pumping money into the larger RI economy. Can the new Italian restaurant snag their business? Wait if they do they’ll be no tables for us. Can’t win can we?

Update: The Castle Playground & Octagon Soccer Field

Sometime in the next year expect to see the Castle Playground demolished in order for RIOC to build a new playground. According to RIOC they are working with the Gametime to design a new playground.



My understanding is that the deal RIOC is hoping to close will include new Astroturf for the Octagon Soccer field. According to a few residents I spoke with by having Astroturf it would allow RIOC to try to rent out the field on a higher level to various group leagues and schools.



I have not heard yet if the final design of the soon to be former Castle Playground has been decided. I do know that the current sandbox design was slated for removal which is a relief. While it did provide a large digging area you never knew what your kids would find buried. Sanitary it was not by any means.

It is my understanding that the water feature currently enjoyed by our children will be removed which in my opinion is a shame. Like many parents we always knew the cement was something we had to watch our kids around but the water made for a great wading pool for toddlers. When I hear more about the final design I will post it here.

Update (09-11-07):

I was informed this morning by Donna Masly from RIOC Program Services that both "spraygrounds" the one pictured above (between the Castle and the water) and the one between the basketball courts and the Riverwalk playground (behind Blackwell House) will NOT be removed. In fact during Phase 2 of the playground renovation each will be improved. Very very cool. Thanks Donna!