WORK to resurface Creswick’s Doug Lindsay Reserve has begun after the ground was deemed unsafe for players last year.
The Central Highlands Football League board deemed the new surface unsatisfactory in July and made the decision to abandon play.
Hepburn Shire Council chief executive officer Aaron van Egmond said the council was commited to the work being completed and the ground being ready for the 2013 football season.
“The turf laid last week is already setting roots down and the sprinklers are running constantly at the moment to help to turf get established,” Mr van Egmond said.
“Council is planning to undertake the first cut of the turf in approximately two weeks, along with fertilising.
“An additional perimeter drain is due to be installed in the coming weeks, however the focus has been around getting the playing surface completed and the turf laid.”
The project has a budget of almost $310,000 ($309,680), that will cover smoothing the playing surface and filling spots, 100mm top dressing with sandy loam, laying instant turf on the playing surface and upgrading of the perimeter drainage.
Creswick Football Club president Peter Considine said the club was very happy the project was under way.
“Last year, when we finally got out there only to be kicked off again was very disheartening,” Mr Considine said.
“Finishing off the whole complex means that we can get more projects done.
“Once the oval is finished, we can be sure of our home base, financially and from a supporter perspective.”
Hepburn Shire Creswick Ward councillor Don Henderson said he had been keeping a close eye on the developments at the reserve, visiting almost every day since work began.
“Everyone’s a bit ho-hum about it now,” Cr Henderson said.
“I think people just want to see it get done and finished, so football can be played on it.”
nicole.cairns@fairfaxmedia.com.au