CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A massive grub infestation that destroyed about a third of the grass in the 15-acre Welles Park on Chicago's North Side and damaged parts of nearby Winnemac Park will prevent activities for at least eight months.
The unprecedented infestation that brought grubs, which are normally underground, to the surface in great numbers killed the grass in a large section of the 15-acre park and a smaller area in nearby Winnemac Park.
It may have been caused by warm weather and drought.
State entomologist Christopher Dietrich told Channel 11 he doesn't "recall ever seeing an area devastated as badly."
Additionally, the smell as they've baked in the sun has been described as more than unpleasant.
The Park District is planning to treat the affected areas, starting with Welles, and the parks will be off-limits.
The Welles Park Parents Association, which runs about 1,000 little league games in both parks, said there will be no games until at least July of next year, calling into question whether there will be spring baseball.
The organization said every alternative is being explored.
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