As winter sports finish up after an extended season, all ACT Government irrigated sportsgrounds have been closed for routine maintenance until 16 October.
The Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate said restorations were conducted twice yearly at the beginning and end of the summer sport season.
Senior Director of Sport and Recreation Facilities at the Directorate, Ross Burden said the shutdown allowed crews to carry out a range of activities to help repair surfaces damaged through the winter sport season and give grounds a much needed break prior to the start of summer competition.
“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,” Mr Burden said.
“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,” he said.
Mr Burden said the restoration and renovation works would include the removal of winter goal posts, applying fertiliser to assist turf growth, soil aeration, top dressing of worn and uneven areas, and over-sowing of sparse areas for even 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,” he said.
Mr Burden thanked the ACT sporting community for their understanding and for working with the Directorate to find a solution during what has been a challenging year.
