Drainage and irrigation upgrade works are underway at a number of popular sporting fields around the Central Coast.

Gavenlock Oval, Rogers Park, Chittaway Oval and Baker Park will all have new systems in place by the end of the summer season.

Council’s Administrator, Ian Reynolds said the new systems will assist our sporting fields in dealing with extreme weather conditions

“The new drainage and irrigation will allow playing surfaces to recover much quicker after rain periods, significantly reducing ground closures and helping to maintain a quality playing surface for the entire season.

“It will reduce maintenance costs moving forward and importantly, it will assist with the maintenance of surfaces during long periods of dry weather - with a highly effective and efficient irrigation system.”

Works at Gavenlock Oval, Baker Park and Chittaway Oval have been completed in partnership with Central Coast Football - who contributed $140,000 to the projects.

Central Coast Football’s Chief Executive Officer, Darren Sprod said the partnership with Council was important for the local football community.

“As a major user of council sporting grounds it is important that we partner and invest with council to deliver better facilities for our footballers,” said Mr Sprod.

“We have worked with council to have drainage installed at a number of grounds over the past few years and are seeing the benefits in reduced downtime after rain events.”

“This year we are investing in Gavenlock Oval, Baker Park and Chittaway Oval to assist council in completing these important works.”

Mr Reynolds added that the oval upgrades are an excellent example of Council working with the community to achieve a common goal.

“Central Coast Football has been exceptional during the duration of this project and I’d like to thank Darren and his team for their support,” Mr Reynolds said.

“The working relationship we have with Central Coast Football is invaluable as we continue to develop and improve sporting infrastructure across the region.”

Works have been finalised at Chittaway Oval, while the Rogers Park upgrade is currently underway, with Baker Park scheduled for completion in early February.