Elementary School and Rollo McClay sports fields closed for winter

Sounder News

The sports fields at the Gabriola Elementary School and the Rollo McLay Regional Park are currently closed.

This was confirmed by media representatives of Nanaimo-Ladysmith Public Schools, and the Regional District of Nanaimo.

Staff with the Regional District of Nanaimo stated that the the Rollo McClay sport fields are closed to all activities during the winter season.

Staff wrote in an email to the Sounder that, “heavy precipitation has led to saturated and soggy field conditions which make the fields prone to further damage and disrepair if not given a rest during this wet, rainy season.”

This includes all organized, as well as non-organized activities.

RDN staff said the Rollo fields will be posted with “closed fields” signage to all activities to allow the fields time to recover.

NLPS confirmed the same on December 14, saying the school field is closed to all non-school use.

No timeline was given on when either Rollo or the GES fields would reopen in 2024.

This marks the second winter where all the sports fields on the island have been closed over the winter months to allow the fields to rest prior to heavy use in the spring and summer.