Civic Field Flooding Could Cause Cancellations

            For all matches played at Civic Stadium, the 2A high school girl’s state soccer and boy’s state football tournaments will have to watch out for excessive rain that could flood the field and cause game cancellations.

            Civic Field is prone to flooding, especially during heavy or prolonged rain.  The track surrounding the field is actually around an inch or two higher than the field itself, so rainwater is able to run off the track and onto the field, where it pools.  The end zone and 6-yard box on both ends of the field are most severely impacted by the flooding – on rainy days, there can be around a half-inch of standing water. 

            The turf was installed in 2000 and has a life expectancy of 10 years, which could explain the carpet-like state of the field.  The Bellingham Parks & Rec Department plans to replace the turf this year, but whether or not the field drainage system will be changed has yet to be decided.  The track was last resurfaced in 2007.       

            This year, both Squalicum and Sehome have made it to the quarterfinal round of the 2A girl’s state soccer tournament.  Both share Civic Stadium as their home field during the state tournament.  Squalicum will face Hockinson at Civic Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 10, at 1 pm, while Sehome will face Klahowya at Silverdale Stadium at 6 pm on the same day.  Civic Stadium is also the (state) home field of Lynden, which is competing in the 2A boy’s state football tournament and have a home game against Mark Morris at 5 pm on Saturday, Nov. 10.  Should the weekend weather take a turn for the rainy, there is a chance Civic Field may flood and force a rescheduling for Squalicum and Lynden.  For rainout information, contact the Bellingham Department of Parks and Recreation.