Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media / The sports field at Stitó:s Lá:lém Totí:lt Elementary / Middle School in Chilliwack. 

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Chilliwack sports field

Chilliwack sports field impacted by repeated vandalism and damage, to remain off limits for casual usage

Jul 10, 2025 | 8:39 AM

CHILLIWACK — An SD33 spokesperson has confirmed that access to the synthetic turf field at Stitó:s Lá:lém Totí:lt Elementary / Middle School will only be for school use and organized groups, and not for casual use by community members.

Amy Dhanjal, communications manager for SD33, told Fraser Valley Today in an email on Wednesday that the field has experienced repeated challenges due to incidents of vandalism, as well as unauthorized usage while organized groups already have their designated time slot to utilize the field.

“We have experienced challenges including repeated damage to gates, nets, and goals, and burn marks on the turf surface. Food and garbage have been left on the turf,” Dhanjal said. “There have also been instances where unauthorized users have been on the field while it was booked by organized sports groups.”

The district says it recognizes the field as a valuable community asset meant to support organized sports, youth leagues and school programs. Naturally, during school hours, the field can be utilized by students at Stitó:s. Outside of school hours, organized sports teams can rent the field through the City of Chilliwack’s rental system.

In short, the field is not available for other uses.

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Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media / No trespassing sign.

“Synthetic turf fields have a defined lifespan before costly resurfacing is needed, and our team has been checking the condition of Stitó:s field closely,” Dhanjal said. “Unfortunately, general and unscheduled use has significantly accelerated wear on the surface, shortening its lifespan.”

To deter future incidents of vandalism, and to keep the field in good shape for years to come, additional measures have been installed to impede access to the field.

“To protect the field for its intended use and ensure safety for all users, we have recently had to take steps to limit unscheduled access, including installing the additional fencing you mentioned,” Dhanjal said.

Both the City of Chilliwack and the Chilliwack School District require users to carry insurance while using the field, given the replacement cost of the turf and the liability to both parties.

“This approach is consistent with policies in Surrey, Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, and other neighboring municipalities,” said Allan Van Tassel, Director of Facilities and Transportation for SD33. “Our goal is to ensure that Stítos synthetic turf field remains safe, well-maintained, and available for generations of athletes to come.”