Cricket wicket damaged

Community members are being reminded to take care of open spaces including public ovals, after the foolhardy actions of passersby damaged a turf wicket at Allan Border Oval. 

During a period of wet weather last week, a cover was placed over the pitch to protect the wicket and surrounding grass. 

However, passersby used the wicket cover as a ‘slip and slide’, with the resulting weight and pressure from running and sliding on the cover substantially damaging the turf underneath. 

Council has since managed to dry out the wicket, with the assistance of subsequent fine weather and use of ‘super sopper’ machinery to do a mop-up and a light roll to level out the surface. 

The field will now be open for play this weekend. 

It is hoped that the grass cover is still in place under the soil. If the turf does not recover, Council will have to re-turf in late August prior to the start of the cricket season. 

In the meantime, community members are reminded that what may seem like fun, harmless activities can cause significant damage to community assets and affect other users of these spaces.