All ACT Government irrigated sports grounds will be closed from this coming Monday (18 March) for two weeks to undergo necessary renovations, repairs and maintenance.
During the shutdown period, all ACT Government irrigated natural turf sports grounds will be closed and unavailable for formal hire, allowing biannual maintenance to be carried out.
The program includes applying fertiliser to assist turf growth and to re-establish turf density prior to winter competitions commencing. Other restoration activities include aeration, top dressing of worn and uneven areas and oversowing of bare or sparse areas to achieve an even turf cover.
During the maintenance period, goal posts will be installed and groundskeepers will focus on getting the turf in the best possible shape for winter competition.
The ACT Government manages approximately 280 hectares of irrigated sports grounds across 126 separate sites in the ACT and each of these grounds hosts regular training and competitions year round.
Did you know that every year #CBR sportsgrounds close twice for renovation works ahead of the summer and winter sport seasons? Ahead of the winter season, #sportsgrounds will be closed from Mon 18 Mar – Sun 31 March. More info https://t.co/pZ5L7KL8mQ pic.twitter.com/8zqTfcstdh
— TCCS (@TCCS_ACT) March 15, 2019
Director of City Presentation at Transport Canberra and City Services Stephen Alegria said: “The summer season is always busy for sports grounds in the ACT with a range of sporting groups and individuals getting great use out of our ovals, which is why we need to undertake these essential maintenance works to ensure the grounds are in good condition ahead of the winter period.”
“The annual autumn sports ground renovation program is focused on repairing surfaces damaged through the summer sport season and giving grounds a much-needed break prior to the start of winter sport.
“Over the next two weeks, we will work on the oval surfaces to get them ready for winter sports including AFL, rugby league, rugby union and football.”
ACT schools have been notified of the shutdown period and are asked where possible to limit the use of ACT Government sports grounds during this time.
Sportsgrounds will reopen on Monday, 1 April 2019.