Temporary closures of fields and reserves managed by Lakes Leisure are planned during the next six weeks as the organisation's turf management team carries out its renovation programme in preparation for the summer sports season.
The programme began on Saturday and will continue until October 23.
Lakes Leisure chief executive, Fiona McKissock said the organisation was working to accommodate the needs of those who used the fields and reserves during the turf renovation programme, but asked teams and organisers to be flexible, as groups may be temporarily moved off their preferred site, or certain events may be postponed until a particular field was fit for use.
Ms McKissock said the use of sports fields during winter months had increased so much the spring turf renovation programme was now more important than ever.
"We have only this small window of time to carry out these works, which are vital to ensuring our fields are not only maintained, but also improved.
"The quality of our fields helps us foster local developing sports people, as well as attract national and international sports teams."
She said the turf management team carried out spring field renovations each year on a progressive basis during September and October - the eight-week period was the optimal time for establishing new turf and carrying out other repairs, subject to weather.
Major works carried out during the renovation programme include sowing and establishing new turf as well as compaction relief. Paramount to establishing the new turf was limiting any potential damage to the weaker new shoots, which was why the fields had to remain closed for the set time
AFFECTED FIELDS
> Allenby Park.
> Jacks Point Sports Fields.
> Jack Reid Park, Arrowtown.
> Lake Hayes Estate multisports pitch.
> Lake Hayes Showgrounds.
> Lake Hawea Sports Field.
> Millbrook Corner.
> Pembroke Park.
> Queenstown Events Centre Sports Fields.
> Queenstown Recreation Ground.
> Wanaka Recreation Reserve.
> Warren Park, Queenstown.
