McLean Soccer Field Vandalized

UPDATE 9:50am. The Fairfax County Parks Authority sent McLean Patch this note this morning: On Tuesday, May 3, 2011, we found during routine field inspection, that someone had driven from the parking lot down to the synthetic turf rectangular field and in turn had "spun doughnuts" on the field several times. 

"The artificial turf was not damaged, but during the incident, the vehicle struck one of the combo goals, destroying one upright post and subsequently causing damage to the footer/goal post sleeve underground.  Area 1 staff was able to move a portable goal into place temporarily for the user groups to continue with scheduled games while the original goal was repaired. 

"The goal was repaired and returned to the field last Monday.  It appears the footer damage was not severe, but will need to be addressed later during "off peak" time.
 
The vehicle entered through an area currently under construction for an ADA path to the field.  The goal cost $1000 to repair and we estimate the footer repair will be around $5000 at the future date.  We are cooperating with local police in the investigation into this matter."

Original story 5:58 am. McLean Youth Soccer has notified its members that the new Linway Terrace field in Chesterbrook was vandalized last week.

"Sometime between Monday, May 3,at 10 p.m., and Tuesday, May 4, at 10 a.m., the Linway Terrace field was vandalized," according to the note sent to members. 

"Based on evidence at the scene, it seems that a 'blue' Audi drove down onto the field and hit one of the goals. We are looking for any information that members can provide about this event. If you have heard of anything related to this event or know of a 'blue' Audi with recent damage, please email mysfields@att.net. The club, the county and the police would appreciate any additional information about this vandalism. Thank you in advance for your assistance," the note said.

The new artificial turf field, a joint project of MYS and the Fairfax County Parks Authority that cost nearly $900,000 opened in November.

McLean Patch has asked the chairperson of McLean Youth Soccer, the Parks Authority and the Fairfax Police for additional details. None has yet responded to our inquiries about the extent of the damage and the cost of the repairs to taxpayers.

The new field formally opened  Nov. 6, 2010. Linway Terrace Park marked the completion of another synthetic turf field conversion project. MYS, one of the most influential and richest nonprofits in McLean, is working to convert a series of fields to turf. Their current project is conversion of a field at the Spring Hill Rec Center.

The field "now boasts the state-of-the-art synthetic turf that provides field space that is weather resistant, increases playability and field capacity, does not require turf maintenance, and provides a smooth, dependable playing surface," the Parks Authority said in November.

The $840,000 capital improvement project was funded by the McLean Youth Soccer Association and the Board of Supervisors’ Mini Grant program administered by the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services. Through innovative partnerships throughout the community, the Fairfax County Park Authority and the Fairfax County Athletic Council are addressing the increasing need and existing shortage of rectangular fields in Fairfax County, the Parks Authority said.

The Park Authority has completed more than two dozen field conversion projects over the last several years. This project also included installation of bleacher and bench pads, installation of goal posts, the addition of a fully-accessible asphalt trail, improved field drainage and landscaping.