AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL

MEDIA ADVISORY

30 October 2006

Improvement work ahead for Victoria Park sports fields

Resanding of Victoria Park’s sports fields, to improve their drainage and durability, will start in early November.

The fields’ current poor state means a wet winter can close them for most of the season. Resanding will mean they can be available for sports most of the year.

Work will start on the western half of the playing field area next month until next May. Resanding of the eastern half is due to start in November 2007. The project is being completed in two stages over two years so that half of the playing fields are always open to the public for sports like cricket.

Sand-based sports fields provide better winter playing conditions with less field closures, but can slowly deteriorate as earthworms mix soil into the sand profile, reducing its ability to drain effectively. Approximately every 10 years the playing surfaces require renewal work to the sand and drainage systems to restore them to top condition.

‘There will be some changes to regular sports fixtures during the resanding works, but the clubs have been very flexible in agreeing to a short term loss for a long term gain. We are confident that they will be happy with the improved surface,” says Auckland City’s manager of arboriculture and sports parks, Mark Bowater.

Aucklanders have several other parks and sports fields near the CBD to choose from during Victoria Park’s resanding project including the Auckland Domain, Grey Lynn Park, Coxs Bay Reserve, and Western Springs. For more information about Auckland City parks, visit www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/whatson/places/parks

ENDS

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