CITY OF WYLIE
Making Memories on the Fields Next time your child stands in the batter’s box, scores her first goal, catches the game-winning touchdown, or makes a new friend on the field, don’t forget the team behind the games that make it possible for these moments to happen. The 19 members of the Wylie Parks and Recreation Maintenance crew work hard each day to maintain and prepare 117 acres of athletic fields located primarily at Founders Park and Community Park.
Every Parks Maintenance team member plays a part in readying the fields, but sports field tech Aaron Clampitt takes it personally. During the interview and photo session, one of the crew members commented, “He thinks he owns the fields.” A positive comment reflecting the dedication and care and pride he takes, along with the whole Parks team, knowing the importance of quality fields to the coaches, participants, and spectators.
The 24 soccer, baseball, softball, and football fields host approximately 3,800 games a year, with more than 20,000 total participants, not counting those in attendance rooting on their favorite players. The high demand for Wylie sports fields means there is no shortage of maintenance and preparation to ensure a great playing experience.
“It’s gratifying to look out on a busy weekend and see the hundreds of kids and families making memories on ‘our’ fields,” said Parks Supervisor Rico Govea. “I am thankful that we can be a small part of what makes Wylie a great place to live and play.”
Making fields playable begins with year-round treatment of the turf including fertilizers and pre- and post-emergent weed applications, irrigation installation and maintenance, aeration, seeding, and mowing, oftentimes twice a week during peak season. Daily activities during the season include striping, dragging the infields, and maintenance of fencing, dugouts, and other facilities. There’s also trash to empty and bathrooms to be cleaned.
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by Craig Kelly
| May/June 2022
The work doesn’t stop with the sports fields. The City of Wylie has 648 acres of parkland and open space, across 34 parks. There are 17.8 miles of trails, 19 playgrounds, 11 pavilions, a skate park, a disc golf course, a cricket pitch, sand volleyball courts, and tennis courts. The crew of 19 is also responsible for the maintenance and plantings of medians on Hwy. 78, FM 544, Brown Street, and other divided roads. The parks crews also plant seasonal color at locations throughout the city including municipal buildings and historic downtown Wylie.
A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Publication
