Wilton reports extensive athletic field damage in Ida's wake

The town of Wilton is trying to get its athletic fields ready for fall high school season, but extensive damage from Ida may cause delays.

News 12 Staff

Sep 3, 2021, 9:53 PM

Updated 1,129 days ago

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The town of Wilton is trying to get its athletic fields ready for fall high school season, but extensive damage from Ida may cause delays.
“This is not the first time this has happened, not as bad as this -- this is pretty bad,” says Superintendent of Parks Doug Katz.
Katz says the repairs can take anywhere between a few days or a few weeks to complete.
“Like when you pour a bucket of water and it just makes a splash and it just flows -- that's the way it was flowing across,” says Katz.
Although the surface of the field seems fine, there’s more that meets the eye. The layer underneath the turf, known as coconut husk, got washed away and landed on top of the turf.
The coconut husk is what helps guard players against concussions.
“You can feel it on your feet when you're walking - you can feel somewhat of unevenness and stuff like that,” says Katz.
Parks and recreation officials say they’ve surveyed whether the bleachers are safe to occupy or not after remnants of the storm wreaked havoc underneath.
The Wilton High School football season opener is supposed to be Sept. 17 against Fairfield Ludlowe, but there is no word yet on whether that game will take place.
Kristine Lilly Field at Wilton High is also out of service due to Ida’s damage.
In the meantime, News 12 is told the town will still hold its annual fireworks show Saturday night.