Weather Safety

Published: Apr 3, 2021 Revised: May 23, 2025

Field Condition Cancellations

Sometimes, cancellations can be made before scheduled games are played because we know in advance that a certain field cannot be used (e.g., due to flooding or ponding of water). In those situations, we can post a notice on this website and update the cancellation hotline (616-791-6206). The Recreation Department will also contact coaches if their games are canceled in advance, so that the coaches can in turn call their players and parents.

Cancellations due to flooding should be a thing of the past as of the Spring, 2025 soccer season. The City of Walker has opened the newly-built, state-of-the-art soccer field #1. So far, the rains have soaked right in and drained away; leaving behind a gorgeous, firm playing surface even after a fresh rainfall.

Severe Weather Emergencies

If a severe weather emergency happens (e.g., a tornado watch or a tornado warning; a severe thunderstorm warning; or visible lightning at the field), it will not be possible to update either this website or the cancellation hotline. The Recreation Department advises that shelter is available at the Walker Ice and Fitness Center, located at 4151 Remembrance Rd. NW (just south of the library and public works buildings). See the National Weather Service “Weather Safety for All Hazards” page for additional safety, response, and preparedness information.

Severe Weather Cancellations

When there is any possibility of severe weather, coaches should follow the Recreation Department’s rules about whether or not to cancel practices. In the conditions described here, cancellations are compulsory. Remember, the Recreation Department will normally only take the lead on cancellations for Saturday’s game days, so coaches should follow the severe weather guidelines when taking charge of severe weather cancellation decisions about their practices.

This website does not post severe weather alerts!

Because severe weather dangers can emerge so suddenly, there may not be time to post cancellations to this website or to update the hotline recording. Walker Recreation requires that coaches cancel practices in the event of visible lightning, a severe thunderstorm warning, or any tornado advisory (either a watch or a warning). Games are also canceled if the National Weather Service issues such an alert affecting Kent County, or if visible lightning is observed at the fields.

  • If games are canceled, the Recreation Department will contact the coaches.
  • The coaches will in turn contact the players on their team.
  • If severe weather is forecasted or present during the week, it is the coaches’ responsibility to cancel their practices.
  • A notice will also be posted on the home page here only if practical: Please rely on local news and weather authorities for up-to-date weather advisories and information.

Severe Weather Alerts

Please rely only on communications from official weather authorities or trusted news outlets for up-to-date weather advisories and information (e.g., Weather.gov).

Because this website does not post severe weather alerts, please rely upon official communications channels for more immediate access to that kind of information. Here are some helpful resources.

Severe Weather: When in doubt, CANCEL!

Severe Weather: When in doubt, CANCEL!