When you go to the park what ...

[larryk56]

When you go to the park and find that they have
matts under all the swings and play equipment,
where would you go next?

Let's take a poll

The baseball field
Areas around the trees where people sit.
The soccer field across the street
Edge of the sidewalks

 

[Jason in Enid]

I go where ever is oldest and would have the best chance for silver coins.

 

[osgood]

Areas under the trees, especially if they are old. Even before it becomes a park maybe folks where under those trees for shade, etc. Re matts under playground woodchips etc. I'm certain Ive had good targets under those , and the weed fabrics there etc. I do not disturb the stuff and leave the target be. It is there to protect the children after all. Reshuffling some wood chips on top is one thing, but messing with the base material to me is a no, no, and would probably not be considered a trite thing by park officials. I judge each baseball field differently. There are some ancient ones out in the small or big towns that are probably mowed 4 times a year and then there are those that get weekly grooming , watering, feedings with nightly games, pa systems, lighting etc. The better ones may have dedicated fencing around them, and are even posted. I think you should leave those better ones alone. In this upstate city the finest place for metal detecting was a centrally located large historic and stately park-the city jewel and central social gathering place for probably 130 years. There was no problem with going there. But two years ago it was put off limits to diggers. As one of the grounds persons told me, the league, fenced in ball fields, where torn up by someone with a metal detector digging, leaving holes that kids where tripping on etc. Hence we all got put out because of that one or two who had to go in there and disrespect the place. Along sidewalks are good. In old parks look for evidence of where the main paths and sidewalks used to be. Sometimes like theyll put up a new bath house in a new location and knock down the old ones, but you can still figure where they used to be from old pictures and historical societies. Ive been having good luck also with the hills for sledding. And also Ive had a lot of luck with a certain park where they would like for 100 years now annually flood certain field for public skating etc. Good hunts, CO

 

[togamac]

For coins I've had good luck along side the base paths where the parents and fans stand. For jewelry, try the outfield. Rings come off when a ball is thrown so they can be anywhere.

 

[larryk56]

Thanks for all who replied to this topic.

It's always nice to hear what others have to say!

HH

 

[Dude]

If you look where people gather for a ball game or some other event and draw a straight line to the concession stand, that area can be productive. Also draw a line from the event to the parking area can be productive.

10 to 15 feet out from a parking area I've found plenty of keys, rings and pocket spills.

Look for an area where people get funneled down and have to go through same spot to get from A to B. One example being a foot bridge

Last but not least the smaller ball diamonds that host T-Ball games, because they all most never have bleachers so you can detect where Grandma and Grandpa sit in there lawn chairs handing out change to the grand kids.

 

[GunnarMN]

to the edge of the matt

 

[bootyhoundpa]

where the first base and third base coaches stand--those guys are always digging in thier pockets and with all the close plays at first base thats where the action is....

 

[Fabio]

If the park field is slanted, then hit the areas facing south, alot of people used to picnic in open fields, in full sunlight.

 

[wasp]

The soccer field most definately! The areas around the player's benches where they set their equipment bags and the areas where spectators sit....usually 6 to 10 feet out from the sidelines. If you feel that you can detect on the playing field itself, the areas in front of the nets can be productive ( just be careful with your plugs...wouldn't want to cause someone to twist an ankle and get banned from detecting there, etc.)

 

[Fabio]

Check out the volleyball areas also. Especially the ones at the beach.

 

[Elton]

Quote > Also draw a line from the event to the parking area can be productive.

Found many Silver Dimes on that straight line course to the car..

 

[Fabio]

If you're from a snowy region, check out the areas where they dump snow in the winter. Ask older city crew for locations of older snow dumps from 30 - 50 years ago, for older finds. One example in the city of Winnipeg would be the Emie O'Dowda Park. Here:
http://maps.google.ca/?hl=en&ll=49.907035,-97.114377&spn=0.001316,0.003449&hnear=Winnipeg,+Division+No.+11,+Manitoba&t=h&z=18

 

[Joel-Winnipeg]

If you're from a snowy region, check out the areas where they dump snow in the winter. Ask older city crew for locations of older snow dumps from 30 - 50 years ago, for older finds. One example in the city of Winnipeg would be the Emie O'Dowda Park. Here:
http://maps.google.ca/?hl=en&ll=49.907035,-97.114377&spn=0.001316,0.003449&hnear=Winnipeg,+Division+No.+11,+Manitoba&t=h&z=18

Thanks Fabio the lurkers of the area will he

 

[larryk56]

Good info on this topic!

In my area they dump alot of the snow in the lakes.

 

[GoVidGo]

Biggest trees in the park

picnic tables

along third and first base lines where people sit and watch the games

around any concession stand

beach/swimming area ( where people lay out)

volleyball court (enjoy digging in the sand!)

 

[Vancouver Larry]

I haven't tried it yet, but I read the other day to detect the loose piles of dirt that has been dug up around construction sites.
They said there is a great deal of very old stuff, coins and old equipment that was buried many years ago, and until the diggers get it turned over, you would never have been able to detect to that depth.
Generally the best time is the weekends when the construction guys are home and there is no danger of getting run over, less people mean less hassle about you being there.

 

[matthias]

I recently discovered the loads of dirt at a local township property and got the same idea. You dont know where the dirt came from. I believe one could really hit a jackpot by searching these piles. First time I did it I found two wheaties. HH. Matt