Rec Park turf specialists outline plan to remove invasive fescue from Dristy Field

Tiffany Grube, who manages aspects of the Annandale Rec Park, presented an update on Dristy Field’s turf problems and a remediation plan the park will pursue this summer.

Grube said the field — a joint powers project between the city of Annandale and Annandale Public Schools — showed signs in 2024 that an invasive tall fescue had taken over the infield mix. "This invasive fescue had taken over," Grube said, describing how incompatible seed mixes from different areas had been combined and, over several years, allowed the fescue to dominate.

She said the maintenance plan developed with consultants, including Bolton & Menk and Ramey Turf, called for targeted weed control, use of herbicide to remove the fescue-infested turf, and reseeding with an Olympic sod blend composed primarily of Kentucky bluegrass for athletic durability and fast recovery. Grube described a phased summer program of fertilizing, weed control and pre-emergent treatment and said the turf is playable for practices but that staff and coaches had delayed games while the surface recovers.

Board members asked whether costs and responsibility are shared; Grube confirmed the site is under a joint powers agreement between the city and the Annandale Public School District and said the park and city staff are coordinating on the plan and contractor communications. She also said outside experts — cited as Reinartz Grama and Ramey Turf — visited the field and advised the program of remediation steps, and that follow-up maintenance is scheduled through the summer.

The board did not approve new funding at the meeting; members thanked Grube and noted the joint powers board meets regularly and will continue to monitor progress. Grube said contractors were scheduled to work on the field as weather allowed and that the field’s appearance had already improved in some areas since work began.