Stock photo, courtesy of Pixabay.

Chatham-Kent is asking the public to keep off certain baseball diamonds after the presence of a few individuals prevented grass from being cut.

The municipality said baseball diamonds that are marked as “permit-use only” require regular maintenance to ensure they are properly prepared for permit holders such as minor associations and recreational leagues.

“We’ve had a few instances this season where our grass-cutting contractors have been unable to cut the field because of the presence of unauthorized groups who refused to vacate,” said Ian Clark, CK’s manager of parks, recreation and cemeteries, in a news release. “If we cannot cut the grass on schedule then it results in poor facility conditions.”

Municipal officials said unauthorized use of the diamonds can also create unnecessary work for permitted volunteers, coaches, and players who clean the infield before their bookings.

As well, municipal sports fields should not be used during wet conditions to prevent possible damage to the space.