Ultimate Frisbee, Soccer Banned at Bushnell Park

Wednesday, Sep 19, 2012 | Updated 12:14 PM EDT

The parks director in Hartford is cracking down after people tear up fields with cleats.

Hartford's parks director is cracking down on the use of Bushnell Park for athletic activities.

The Hartford Courant reports public works employees and police have been breaking up Ultimate Frisbee and soccer games, which have become popular lunchtime and weekend activities in the park near the state Capitol.

Kevin Burnham, the park's director, said the park is intended for "passive" use and the players are tearing up the turf with their cleats.

Those who want to play sports should go to Colt Park, which has about 100 acres of athletic fields, but requires a permit and reservation for organized sports, he said.

Mayor Pedro Segarra told the newspaper he wants to meet with Burnham to discuss the issue and does not want to "overregulate" something that draws people downtown.