Because winter hung around so long this year, outdoor sports, like softball, minor baseball, soccer and football are going to get a late start to the season, says Town of Olds director of community services Doug Wagstaff.
"Those groups that are looking for outdoor fields and diamonds certainly are looking out the window with literal bated breath, waiting for the snow to go. Because not only does the snow have to leave, then we have a week or two of prep in those areas for them to play on," Wagstaff says, noting they'll be pretty soggy.
"So we're watching the weather closely, and yes, it is going to impact the availability. There are some years when baseball has already been out, practising on the diamonds.
"Clearly, we're not able to do that right now. In some areas, there's two feet of snow left to melt. And then when it melts, you've got to prep the surface and prepare it. You can't immediately go out when the snow's gone.
"Unfortunately we're hostage to Mother Nature on that one."
Nonetheless, the town is already hiring for summer staff positions.
"We're preparing for the spring season. We begin May 1 with our summer staff. In fact, we've tried to bring in some summer staff to start a couple of weeks earlier here if we can, because actually, the weather's going to cause some need to get at it sooner, and once we do get at it, get at it quickly," Wagstaff says.
He notes preparing and looking after fields and ball diamonds are not the only duties summer staff have.
"You have to prep the sports fields at the same time that you clean the streets and prepare the flowers and the pots," Wagstaff says. "All of the spring cleanup -- the gravel on the boulevards, all of that is the same crew."
One outdoor recreational facility that isn't a big concern right now is the splash park.
Wagstaff says in the fall, staff prepare it for the winter to ensure there are no problems with freezing lines, etc.
"At this point, we haven't even thought splash park." he says.
