A range of works associated with Central Coast sporting fields have been carried out from Woy Woy to Woongarrah.

The assortment of projects will assist with participation in summer sports, while also preparing playing surfaces for next year’s demanding winter season.

Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds said the program of upgrades, in combination with regular maintenance, was important for the region’s sporting infrastructure.

“Our maintenance schedule is comprehensive and ensures playing surfaces are in the best possible shape for local sporting clubs,” said Mr Reynolds.

“We are home to a fantastic sporting culture here on the Central Coast and as a Council we want to provide the community with first-class sporting facilities to support that.”

In the south, synthetic cricket wickets were resurfaced at McKillop Oval, Kariong Oval and Ettalong Oval as well as all playing fields receiving significant rejuvenation works.

“Rejuvenation works generally involve weed spraying, aeration, fertilisation and in some cases turfing – depending on the needs of each location and the sports predominately played there,” added Mr Reynolds.

“Many of our cricketers have new synthetic playing surfaces for the summer, while footballers of all codes will hit the ground running with lush, well-prepared surfaces for the 2017 season.”

Council’s Group Leader of Assets, Infrastructure and Business, Mr Mike Dowling said consistent and effective management of playing surfaces can reap greater efficiency within maintenance teams.

“It’s a year-round job, our fields always require upkeep and crews do a fantastic job providing this service to the community,” said Mr Dowling.

“In combination with regular rejuvenation works, we’ve been utilising a number of techniques to naturally improve drainage - increasing turf growth and drought tolerance.

“Sporting fields in the north including Chittaway Oval and Baker Park are also part of an intensive works upgrade program with subsoil drainage being installed.

“Healthy, well-maintained playing surfaces reduce ground closures due to wet weather, facilitates faster recovery rates and reduces maintenance costs moving forward.”