Crews to begin work on Enchantment Park drainage project

Leavenworth residents who stroll through Enchantment Park for the next month may notice large machines moving earth and material around the area.

Crews from Greenshield Systems LLC are working on the park’s drainage on the different sports fields beginning July 19. The drainage project is expected to be finished around Aug. 15, if nothing affects the work schedule.

Public Works Director Herb Amick said the city has had problems in the past with standing water at the sports fields. Amick explained crews have had to shut off the water because the fields became too soggy.

"We tried to put some dry wells, but they did not solve the problem," he added.

Amick explained the traffic portion of the park will be closed during the duration of the project. This means visitors will not be able to use the parking lot until the work is finished.

Although the park will be closed to vehicles, folks will still be able to access it from the walking trails. Folks should use caution and care when they are at the park because crews will be working on the project.

"They're going to be hauling lots of material and digging trenches," Amick said. "They will be removing that material and putting in drain tile and putting back sand. There will be sand everywhere and they will be moving material out of the park. They will have a lot of big trucks moving around the area. We just don't want kids on bikes getting hurt, or something like that (happening)."

Based out of La Center, Washington, Greenshield Systems is a landscaping company that specializes in sports turf drainage. The company has completed projects for golf courses around the state. They have also worked on athletic fields for cities and school districts. 

Once the drainage project is finished, Greenshield crews will begin hydroseeding the field. Hydroseeding is a planting process that utilizes a mix of seed and mulch. Landscapers use hydroseeding as an erosion control technique on construction systems, as well as an alternative to dry seeding.

“It should improve the use, the visibility, the appearance ... everything,” Amick said of the process. "It will also reduce the drainage."

The drainage project is the latest improvement for Enchantment Park. Crews have recently installed the field lighting on Field No.3. Amick said staff also plan on regraining ballfields No. 1 and No. 2.

While the project will be finished, Amick said all ballfields will remain closed for use for the remainder of the year. They could potentially reopen in spring 2020 after assessment from the Park Department. 

"We hope we'll have enough time to get the grass started when we finish up in the spring," Amick added.

Amick said staff will be posting information about the project on social media.

Residents who have questions about the project can contact Amick at the Public Works Office by calling (509) 548-6429 or emailing herba@cityofleavenworth.com.