Released 02/10/2020
With winter sports finishing up following an extended season, all ACT Government irrigated sportsgrounds will be closed from Sunday 4 October until Friday 16 October 2020 for routine maintenance. Restorations are conducted twice yearly at the beginning and end of the summer sport season.
“The shutdown will allow crews to carry out a range of activities that will help to repair surfaces damaged through the winter sport season and give grounds a much needed break prior to the start of summer competition,” Senior Director, Sport and Recreation Facilities, City Presentation, Ross Burden said.
“Our close relationships with the sporting community have helped this year during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We appreciate the tolerance summer sporting groups have displayed by delaying their season helping to find common ground with all sports in this unusual period. Winter sports were extended for two weeks and the timing of this maintenance has been scheduled to accommodate that and ensure it is completed and ready for summer sports to commence from Saturday 17 October 2020,” Mr Burden said.
As well as removing winter sport goal posts, the renovation works during this period will include applying fertiliser to assist turf growth and density, aeration, top dressing of worn and uneven areas, and over-sowing of bare or sparse areas to even the turf cover.
“Even though we have been fortunate to have had some rainfall over recent months, some daytime irrigation of sportsgrounds is likely to be required to help establish new grass seeds that will be planted,” Mr Burden said.
The ACT Government manages 127 irrigated sportsgrounds across the Territory, equating to an area of approximately 282 hectares, with each facility hosting year-round training and competitions.
The dates of the shutdown period are negotiated in advance with the sports associations and clubs who regularly use ACT Government ovals to ensure disruption to playing and training schedules are minimised.
“I would like to thank all in the ACT sporting community for their understanding and for working with us to find this workable solution during the challenging year,” Mr Burden said.
- Statement ends -
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