Victoria Park sports fields reopen

Victoria Park sports field reopens: Victoria Par's eastern sports fields were closed over the past 12 months to improve drainage and sand systems.

From City Scene, published on 2 November, 2008

Victoria Park's eastern sports fields will reopen this week, following resurfacing work to improve the drainage and durability of the sand-based fields.

The popular summer sports fields have been closed for the past 12 months for renewal work to the sand and drainage systems, and will be available for cricket and other sports after the Auckland marathon this weekend.

Councillor Greg Moyle, chairperson of the Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee, says the resurfacing delivers a much-improved playing surface at Victoria Park. "There have been some changes to regular sports fixtures during the works, but the clubs affected were very flexible in agreeing to a short-term loss for a long-term gain.

"We are confident that the improved surface will make a significant difference to the quality of sporting activities."

Sand-based sports fields provide better winter playing conditions with fewer field closures, but can slowly deteriorate as earthworms mix soil into the sand profile, reducing effective drainage.

The playing surfaces require sand and drainage work to restore them to top condition about every 10 years.