Nippers Oval temporarily closed due to turf damage

Nippers Oval in Margaret River will be temporarily closed to prevent further damage to the turf, following several weeks of heavy rain and waterlogging.

The oval will be closed to sporting groups for at least a week. Residents accessing the oval to exercise dogs will need to use an alternative location nearby until the end of August.

The alternative dog exercise area is located next to the Margaret River Bowling Club, in close walking distance from the Nippers Oval and is fully fenced.

Shire Parks and Gardens staff who manage the oval recommended minimising usage of Nippers Oval for the rest of the month.

Shire Coordinator Recreation, Seb Miller said temporarily moving the dog exercise area would help reduce the volume of users accessing Nippers Oval.

 “It’s been a very wet winter and this oval in particular doesn’t drain quickly,” he said.

“As a result, big sections have turned to mud so we need to make a tough call to balance how it’s used until the rain eases up.

“At this time of year, we have a lot of different sporting groups using all the ovals.

“Whilst our preference would be to close this oval off to everyone, there aren’t enough alternative ovals to play on.

“We are asking dog owners to help out by using the fenced area nearby.”

Signs will be in place to advise dog owners about the alternative area.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.