Winter sports kick off

After a disrupted 2020 winter sports season and delays to the summer 2020/21 season Council’s sportsgrounds are being prepped ready for play to start this weekend.

Fields used for cricket, baseball, softball and frisbee throughout the summer season have been converted to soccer, netball, rugby, hockey and AFL fields. Cricket wickets are covered, baseball nets removed, new lines are marked and goals installed for 118 senior (47) and junior (71) soccer, 28 rugby union/league, 11 combination (rugby/soccer), 6 AFL fields and multiple (38) grass netball courts.

It’s been a short changeover from summer to winter due to the delayed summer season flowing into a short delay for winter sports. As a result, and to ensure they are in the best shape possible, some fields may not be available on weekdays between 7am to 4pm as further maintenance is undertaken.

It’s a big job for Council’s Parks staff, who gear up for this busiest time of year, knowing how important field maintenance is to the administrators and players of our winter sports. As our population grows, so does sports participation meaning we need as many fields as possible available and they need to withstand thousands of hours of games and training throughout the season.

Our fields are looking green and lush thanks to a wet summer, but with rain never far from the horizon we need to keep them playable all season. In the event of continued periods of wet weather, the fields may be closed to protect them from long term damage. Keep an eye on our Wet Weather page to check if your field is closed due to rain. The website is updated on weekdays by 9am and at 3pm, and at 7am on weekends and public holidays when we experience wet weather.