Magazine - Grass is Greener for Maroondah’s ovals

By Editor in General News on 10th Oct 2008 6:00

More Maroondah sports grounds are being planted with drought-resistant grass.

Maroondah councillor Peter Gurr said warm season grass was being planted at Mullum Reserve, Quambee Reserve and Cheong Park. “Once the grass is established, we will see the water usage for these ovals reduced by 75 per cent over the next few years,” he said. “Council staff have completed the ground preparation and sprigging stages, and will now manage the establishment stage through the efficient use of council’s water allocation, as set by Yarra Valley Water.”

Cr Gurr said each ground cost $7000 to plant and costs were split between the council, Sport and Recreation Victoria and the Eastern Football League ground subsidy program.

Warm season grasses were also planted four to six weeks ago at Jubilee and East Ringwood ovals, and at Griff Hunt Reserve and Dorset Recreation soccer ground.  To protect the newly sown grounds, only limited cricket will be allowed on them during summer, but they are expected to be ready for next year’s football season.

Cr Gurr said the council was also saving water by installing water tanks and water-efficient fittings at grounds and other council facilities and using recycled water where possible.

While many Maroondah grounds continue to go dry under water restrictions, three grounds are being watered with recycled water this year Hughes Park Oval, Griff Hunt Reserve and Dorset Recreation Reserve.

Seven other grounds are being watered from the Yarra Valley Water allocation of mains water Jubilee Park, Croydon Park, East Ringwood and Cheong Park ovals and Silcock, Mullum and Quambee reserves.

Source & More: leader-news.whereilive.com.au

Read more articles in General News, by Editor or from October 2008.