Mike Powers| News-Bulletin photo
Shawn Ammons, Belen recreation interim director, has overseen restrictions at the new mini soccer fields because of abuse.
BELEN — Vandalism and poor behavior in general have brought on rule changes for those who want to use the recently opened mini soccer fields at Eagle Park.
According to Shawn Ammons, the Belen recreation interim director, some visitors started abusing the two artificial turf “Futsal Fields” just a few days after opening on May 3.
The problems initially included trash left around the fields and dogs making a mess on the turf. At that point, Ammons took action.
Guests were required to sign in and “put up some kind of collateral, where you give keys or a license,” Ammons said, and then the facility would be unlocked.
Despite the locked gates, someone soon climbed over the fence and vandalized the soccer goals.
The new restrictions mean the soccer fields will only be open during hours that Eagle Park is staffed instead of being available 24 hours as originally planned.
Ammons said workers will keep a closer watch on the fields.
“If we have to be the bad guys on some people, we’ll be the bad guys,” he said.
Ammons is using this as an opportunity to make improvements. The damaged goals, made out of PVC pipe, will be replaced. “We’re putting in metal pipe goals. They are going to be solid,” Ammons said.
The field will also be used for younger kids playing in the Belen fall recreation soccer league.
“It will give an opportunity for us to allow a younger group (6-9 years old) in there to play,” freeing up space on the nearby grass fields. About 130 youngsters signed up for the fall soccer league.
The mini soccer fields were constructed on top of two seldom-used basketball courts. The New Mexico Legislature appropriated about $150,000 for the project, with the city of Belen contributing $35,000.
Mike Powers spent more than 40 years as a television news and sports anchor, mostly in the Albuquerque market. He has won numerous awards including New Mexico Sportscaster of the Year. He covers a wide range of sports, including the Valencia County prep scene.
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April 25, 2024
